Prefectures split over whether to keep the booze flowing as coronavirus cases surge

Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike, left, talks with officials after a meeting at the Tokyo metropolitan government building on Wednesday. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

Local governments that will be subject to quasi-emergency priority measures designed to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus are split over whether to allow eateries to continue serving alcohol when the measures start on Friday in 13 more prefectures, including Tokyo.

On Wednesday, Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike urged eateries to comply with the measures.