Coronavirus: Japan set to declare state of emergency amid surge in infections
- Such a declaration, the first of its kind in Japan, would restrict individual rights and allowing prefectural governors to call for specific action
- It has been made necessary by a rapid nationwide spike in cases that poses significant risks to lives and the economy, an official said
The declaration, based on a recently amended law, will empower local authorities to instruct the public to stay at home and request the closure of schools and other facilities. The move will target big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, the official added.
The declaration was made necessary by a rapid nationwide increase in Covid-19 cases, with infections spreading and posing significant risks to people’s lives and the nation’s economy, the official said.
Pressure had mounted for Abe to issue the declaration with Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and the Japan Medical Association calling for the move.
An emergency declaration, the first of its kind in Japan, would restrict individual rights, allowing prefectural governors to call for specific action to prevent the spread of the virus.
Abe is not permitted to declare a state of emergency at his own discretion. He needs to seek input from an advisory panel comprising experts in medicine and public health who determine whether the situation calls for an emergency declaration.