Japan to shift to nationwide state of emergency

Apr 16, 2020 | News On Japan

Apr 16, 2020 (NHK) - The Japanese government is moving ahead with its decision to expand current areas under a state of emergency to everywhere across the country after it has received feedback from an advisory panel of experts.

The government declared the state of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka and five other prefectures last week to curb the spread of the coronavirus. It will be in place through May 6.

Officials held a meeting of an advisory panel of experts to ask for their opinions about the proposed nationwide expansion.

Economic Revitalization Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi stated that infections have been spreading from urban to rural areas due to the movement of people. He added that there was an urgent need to adopt measures in order to minimize the movement of people during the upcoming long holiday period from late April to early May.

Nishimura told reporters that the panel approved of the government's plan.

Officials plan to hold a task force meeting later on Thursday to officially declare a state of emergency nationwide.

It would allow governors across Japan to take various measures to fight the virus.

More than 9,000 people have tested positive across the country.

The number does not include 712 cases linked to the Diamond Princess cruise ship which was quarantined in Yokohama in February. More than 190 people have died in Japan, including 13 from the ship.

More than a quarter of all the confirmed infections in Japan have been reported in Tokyo. Officials announced 149 new cases in the capital on Thursday.

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