Japan Declares Coronavirus Emergency In 4 Pref.
Japan's prime minister has declared the country's third state of emergency of the pandemic to contain surging COVID-19 cases. The measure will take effect in Tokyo, and three western prefectures on Sunday.
Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide issued the declaration a short time ago at a government task force meeting.
The declaration covers Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo prefectures. It will remain in effect for just over two weeks, through May 11.
Governors will be allowed to take tougher measures, although they won't be as strict as a lockdown. They are expected to ask bars and restaurants that serve alcohol or offer karaoke to close. Other eateries will be asked to close at 8 p.m.
Train, subway and bus services will be reduced, with shorter operating hours. Shopping malls and department stores will also be asked to close except for daily essentials.
Osaka Prefecture is the largest hot spot. Its daily tally has now topped 1,000 for four days in a row.
And in Tokyo, the governor said while the tougher restrictions will be more of a burden, they're necessary.
Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko said, "If each one of us can start taking stricter measures today, the situation will get better in 10 days to two weeks."
Across the country, more than 5,100 new infections have been reported on Friday so far. And more than 800 patients are in serious condition.