Govt. Cautious About Lifting Of State Of Emergency
The Japanese government plans to carefully consider until the last moment whether a coronavirus state of emergency can be lifted in Tokyo and three neighboring prefectures. It believes the infection situation has not improved enough.
The emergency declaration issued is due to expire on March 7.
The central government lifted the state of emergency for six other prefectures in central and western Japan last Sunday.
Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko and the governors of Saitama and Chiba expressed concern about lifting the declaration. They feel that the decline in the number of infections is not sufficient.
The Kanagawa governor said he intends to closely monitor the situation in the neighboring prefectures.
Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide said on Tuesday that he will closely check the numbers of infections and talk with relevant people including experts. He said he will make the final decision by himself.
Suga said he will discuss the situation with the minister in charge of the country's coronavirus response, Nishimura Yasutoshi, and health minister Tamura Norihisa on Wednesday.
The central government notes that Chiba is at stage four in hospital bed occupancy, the highest alert level.
The government plans to listen to opinions of each of the governors, and is expected to hold an expert panel meeting on Friday.