Japan PM Abe lifts state of emergency except in some virus-hit regions
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The government has decided to end restrictions in 39 out of 47 prefectures before the May 31 deadline even as new cases have been reported in Tokyo, Osaka and Hokkaido island
Japan PM Shinzo Abe said today that his government has removed the state of emergency for the majority of the country.imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
However, major cities like Tokyo and Osaka will continue to be under lockdown. The lockdown is due to be lifted on May 31.
"If possible, before May 31, we would like to lift the state of emergency for the other regions as well," PM Abe said, however, the prime minister cautioned that "it's going to be a long road ahead."
The government has decided to end restrictions in 39 out of 47 prefectures before the May 31 deadline even as new cases have been reported in Tokyo, Osaka and Hokkaido island.
Abe informed that state of emergency would be kept in place in those areas.
"If each of us fails to exercise full vigilance, the future in two weeks time is unpredictable. A second declaration of a state of emergency is possible," PM Abe warned citizens.
Japan has a relatively small number of deaths - 687 in all with just over 16,000 coronavirus cases. On Wednesday, the country reported 55 cases with 10 in capital Tokyo, however, authorities have been under fire for low level of testing.
"As for the 39 prefectures, we were able to contain the spread of infections to the level at which it can be prevented with a thorough cluster-focused approach," the Japan PM said.