Top Japanese doctor urges fans to watch Olympic games at home

TOKYO — Japan’s top medical adviser for Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s government urged authorities to step up virus measures ahead of the Olympics and asked people to avoid trips.

Tokyo registered 1,271 new cases Friday, the day after recording a six-month high of 1,308. Dr. Shigeru Omi, who heads a government COVID-19 task force, says the next two months will be the “most crucial stage” in Japan’s fight against the pandemic. He urged people to watch the Olympics on TV at home with family members or close friends in small groups.