Tokyo adopts tougher COVID-19 rules, starts vaccinating elders

The vaccinations in Japan have largely lagged behind due to limited supplies of the Pfizer vaccine, which is the only one approved so far

Tokyo adoptedagainst the coronavirus Monday as it struggles to of a more contagious variant ahead of the Olympics in a country where less than 1% of people have been vaccinated. Japan started its vaccination drive with medical workers and expanded Monday to older residents, with the first shots being given in about 120 selected places around the country. The tougher COVID-19 rules, just three weeks after a state of emergency ended in the capital, allow Tokyo's Governor to mandate shorter opening hours for bars and restaurants, punish violators and compensate those who comply. The measures remain through May 11.