On 23 April 2021, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declared a state of emergency for the capital Tokyo and three western prefectures — Hyogo, Kyoto and Osaka — from 25 April to 11 May amid a rapid resurgence of COVID-19 cases. Under the state of emergency, bars and other establishments that serve alcohol will be closed, whereas restaurants that do not serve alcoholic beverages are being asked to shut down by 2000 local time (1100 UTC) daily. Department stores and other nonessential retail establishments larger than 1,000 sq. m (10,760 sq. ft) will also be required to close. Public transportation providers have been urged to suspend services earlier than usual on weekdays and to operate on a reduced schedule during weekends. In addition, companies will be encouraged to allow their employees to work from home and large sporting events will be held without spectators. Suga stated that the emergency measures are mostly aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 during the country’s “golden week” holiday from 29 April to 5 May.