Governors React To Extended State Of Emergency
Prefectural authorities across Japan are quickly responding after the government extended a nationwide state of emergency for the coronavirus pandemic well past the country's week-long spring holidays.
The state of emergency was initially set to end on Wednesday. But the central government officially announced on Monday it was extending the state of emergency to May 31.
Tokyo, Osaka and 11 other heavily-hit prefectures will continue to promote rigorous social distancing. The aim is to meet a government target of reducing contact between people by 80 percent.
In the other 34 prefectures, the government is set to lift or ease some of the restrictions with the view of reopening social and economic activities while keeping the spread of the virus in check.
Officials at the Tokyo metropolitan government discussed ways to respond to the extension. Governor Koike Yuriko says Tokyo will ask amusement facilities, restaurants and other establishments to stay closed or shorten their hours of operation through May 31.
Koike said, "We will work meticulously to prevent the spread of virus. Then we will continue working to revive the economy as fast as possible."
She also called on business owners and companies to maintain social distancing at work. And the governor urged people not to take part in any crowded event... whether it's indoors or outdoors.
The minister in charge of the coronavirus response vowed continued support. Nishimura Yasutoshi held a video conference with the leaders of Japan's three major business associations.
He indicated the government will work closely with business circles to stop the spread of infections and restart social and economic activities at the same time. Nishimura said the government is seeking to bring the virus under control by the end of this month.
On Tuesday, 121 cases were found in 17 prefectures across Japan. The total number of infections has now topped 15,300 nationwide. The death toll stands at over 560.
