Society

Japan decides to extend quasi-emergency measures in 17 prefectures

Feb 19 (NHK) - The Japanese government has officially decided to extend its coronavirus quasi-emergency in 17 prefectures, while lifting it in five others.

The government made the decision on Friday after gaining approval from an advisory panel.

Intensive measures are currently in place in 36 prefectures, and are set to expire in 21 of them on Sunday.

With Friday's decision, the restrictions will remain in place in 16 prefectures, including Osaka, Hokkaido and Fukuoka, until March 6.

The measures for Wakayama that are set to expire on February 27 have also been extended until the same date.

The government will lift the quasi-emergency on Sunday in Okinawa, Yamagata, Shimane, Yamaguchi and Oita, citing stabilizing local infection situations.

Earlier on Friday, Minister in charge of Coronavirus Measures Yamagiwa Daishiro told the Diet that advisory panel members said it's too early for the country to lower its guard although new case numbers are falling.

Yamagiwa also said the government will take steps based on the panel's advice that basic anti-infection measures should be thoroughly implemented.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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