Tokyo reports 816 new Covid-19 cases as governors push for state of emergency, East Asia

TOKYO (REUTERS) – Tokyo reported 816 new daily coronavirus cases on Sunday (Jan 3), a day after governors from the capital and neighboring prefectures called on the Japanese government to announce a state of emergency to combat a recent surge in cases. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has resisted calls for a second national state of emergency; the government first introduced that measure in April during an earlier wave of the pandemic. Mr Suga is scheduled to speak publicly on Jan 4. Japan’s economy minister told reporters on Saturday the government needed to consult with health experts before deciding on a…