The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has a four-stage alert system, with the highest signifying that the novel coronavirus is currently spreading.

Koike called on businesses and residents to cooperate in halting the spread of the disease. Tokyo officials decided to raise the alert level after consulting with a panel of experts. The experts say the coronavirus is indeed spreading but the current situation is different from the first wave of infections. They say more young people are being infected and many have milder symptoms.

The experts have urged officials to implement measures that fit with the characteristics of this phase of the coronavirus pandemic.