On 14 May 2021, government officials announced that they will expand existing states of emergency to include Hokkaido, Hiroshima and Okayama prefectures from 16 May until 31 May due to rising COVID-19 infection rates. The government will also place Gunma, Ishikawa and Kumamoto prefectures under quasi-emergency measures from 16 May until 13 June. Under the state of emergency, restaurants, bars and other locations that serve alcohol will be asked to cease operations. Meanwhile, large department stores and shopping malls will be asked to reduce operating hours. Prefectural governors are authorized to implement tighter restrictions if required. Under the quasi-emergency, governors may designate individual municipalities to impose restrictions