Shinzo Abe to declare state of emergency in Japan

Prime Minister takes steps to stop the sharp rise in Coronavirus cases in the capital and other major cities.

Japan.- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will declare a state of emergency this evening as the country steps up its fight against Covid-19.

“We hope to declare a state of emergency as early as tomorrow after listening to the opinions of the advisory panel,” Abe told reporters on Monday evening.

According to Inside Asian Gaming, the state of emergency in Japan will apply to Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Osaka, Hyogo and Fukuoka and is planned to be in effect until 6 May. 

Abe doesn’t want the virus to expand across the country and wants to minimise contact between people that can lead to the spread of infection and to support the healthcare system. 

“Various businesses will stay open in order to maintain social function,” Abe said. “I request that the areas subject to this remain calm,” he added.