Early Monday, Reuters came out with the news, relying on Sankei Shimbun daily reports, while conveying the news that, “The Japanese government is set to extend its "state of emergency" soft lockdown in regions including Tokyo to the middle of September as well as adding several other regions.”
“The current state of emergency is due to expire on Aug. 31, but a continuing surge in coronavirus cases has spurred calls to extend it,” added Reuters.
It’s worth noting Kyodo News quoted the record high virus infection in its latest update while saying, “The number of coronavirus patients with severe symptoms across Japan totaled 1,563 as of Saturday, up 42 from the previous day and hitting a record high for the third straight day, the health ministry said Sunday.”
USD/JPY remains offered…
With the virus woes putting a safe-haven bid under the Japanese yen (JPY), USD/JPY drops 0.17% intraday, around 109.40, by the press time.
Read: USD/JPY sellers keep reins below 110.00 amid firmer Japan GDP, downbeat Treasury yields