Japan has declared a state of emergency in Tokyo and three surrounding prefectures -Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama, after days of record coronavirus counts and a rising death toll.  Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said the emergency will take effect Friday and last through February 7.  He asked young people to “protect the precious lives of all generations, including your parents, grandparents and friends” at a press conference Thursday.

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