Japan has prepared to double the number of regions enacting shortened operating hours for restaurants and other infection curbs to contain a record surge in Covid-19 cases, Reuters reports.

The measures allow regional governors to order curbs on mobility and business, such as making restaurants and bars close early and restricting alcohol sales.

Japan has declared various levels of emergency multiple times during the two-year pandemic. A full state of emergency might involve closures of venues serving alcohol, attendance restrictions at sporting and cultural events and fines for non-compliant businesses.