Japan’s government to ask experts whether to declare another coronavirus state of emergency
- The prefectural governors of Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama urged the central government on Saturday to declare an emergency
- Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is expected to explain his view on the current spread of the virus at his first press conference of the year on Monday
The government will hear opinions from health experts soon on whether to declare a state of emergency in Tokyo and neighbouring prefectures hit by surging coronavirus cases, taking heed of a request by their governors, officials said Sunday.
A panel of infectious disease and other experts will likely discuss details such as which areas should be put under a state of emergency and for how long, after examining the current state of infections and medical systems, according to the officials.
Japan is struggling to curb coronavirus infections with more than 3,100 new cases confirmed on Sunday.
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Tokyo reported 816 new infections, bringing the cumulative total to 62,590, by far the largest among the country’s 47 prefectures.
The capital also said the number of people with severe symptoms rose to 101, the first three-digit figure since a state of emergency over the virus was fully lifted in late May.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has been reluctant to make another declaration as the economy was dealt a severe blow in the spring of 2020 when his predecessor Shinzo Abe declared an emergency over the novel coronavirus.
Alarmed by the recent resurgence of the virus, the prefectural governors of Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama urged the central government on Saturday to declare an emergency and curb the spread of the virus that has strained medical systems.
Economic revitalisation minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who is in charge of the country’s coronavirus response, told reporters after his meeting with the local leaders that the situation is “severe” and warrants considering again declaring a state of emergency.