Here are the latest COVID-19 updates from Japan and beyond:
As of 9 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 28
- The Japanese government on Tuesday formally decided to lift the COVID-19 state of emergency covering Tokyo and 18 other prefectures, as well as the quasi-state of emergency in other areas, as infections have declined from their peak.
- U.S. President Joe Biden received his coronavirus vaccine booster shot, after health authorities approved a third shot of Pfizer Inc.'s vaccine for older and higher-risk individuals last week.
As of 11 p.m., Monday, Sept. 27
- Thailand will reopen more tourist destinations, including the cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, to welcome fully vaccinated foreign visitors from Nov. 1, the government said Monday.
- The Japanese government is set to end the COVID-19 state of emergency covering Tokyo and 18 prefectures when it expires at the end of this month, a source familiar with the matter said Monday.
- The Japanese government said Monday it will ease quarantine rules for people vaccinated against COVID-19 entering the country starting Oct. 1, shortening the required period for self-isolating at home from 14 days to 10 days as it looks to restart international travel.
- Japan will conduct an experiment using proof of COVID-19 vaccination at professional baseball and soccer stadiums in preparation for easing capacity restrictions, a Cabinet minister said Monday.