Suga: No Immediate Need To Declare Emergency
Japan's top government spokesperson says the current situation in the country does not require the declaration of a state of emergency.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga made the remark on Tuesday, after Cabinet ministers approved a bill that would enable the prime minister to declare a state of emergency over the new coronavirus if necessary.
Suga said it's important to be fully prepared for a worst-case scenario in terms of risk management.
He said the government acknowledges the need for a higher level of legal framework that includes the option to declare a state of emergency, to minimize any impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
Suga added the government will weigh the situation carefully before it makes a decision, taking into account the possible impact on people's lives.
