Japan Extends Coronavirus Emergency to March 7
NIPPON TV NEWS 24 JAPAN
The Japanese government has decided to extend its second state of emergency over the coronavirus by a month through March 7. The number of new cases of confirmed infections has been on the decline nationwide. But officials determined the need to continue efforts such as asking people to avoid nonessential outings after 8 p.m.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujuybj2vlc8
This was done to prevent a collapse of the medical system in adversely affected areas. The state of emergency is currently in place in 11 prefectures. Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo, will be excluded in the next phase as the situation there has improved.
Officials said the state of emergency could be lifted in other prefectures before March 7 if the number of new infections decreases significantly. The second state of emergency took effect on January 8 in Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa Prefectures. Officials expanded the areas to Tochigi, Aichi, Gifu, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo and Fukuoka starting January 14. The measure was initially scheduled until February 7.
