Japan set to extend state of emergency till May 31
Japan on Monday extended state of emergency till May 31 amid coronavirus pendamic. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzō Abe announced the extension and added that the experts will review the situation on May 14.
Japan has had more than 15,000 virus cases and 510 deaths as of Monday, according to the health ministry.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday said he planned to keep the current coronavirus measures in place for another month, in accordance with recommendations from health experts. They noted the rise in new cases has slowed but Japan’s medical system is still overburdened.
Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters on Monday that experts backed the government’s plan to extend social distancing measures until May 31 and called it “appropriate.”
Nishimura said Sunday the current measures in Tokyo and a dozen other prefectures designated as special warning zones are expected to stay in place, while 34 other prefectures would be allowed to somewhat ease restrictions on the condition they take ample preventive steps.
(With AP inputs)