Govt. To Promptly Study Emergency Request
Japan's minister in charge of coronavirus response says the government must not hesitate to declare a state of emergency if it is necessary to protect peoples' lives.
Nishimura Yasutoshi told reporters on Tuesday that the government will promptly consider issuing the declaration once it is requested by Osaka Prefecture.
He said daily infection numbers remain high in the western Japanese prefecture although the rate of increase has slowed. He said if the situation remains unchanged, hospital bed shortages will grow more acute.
Nishimura said the spread of infections cannot be tamed without stronger anti-virus measures.
He said the government is listening to the views of Osaka officials and experts about adopting tougher restrictions for bars, restaurants and other commercial facilities.
Nishimura said the government also plans to quickly hold talks with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, as stringent measures are also becoming necessary in the Japanese capital.
He said foot traffic has not decreased in Tokyo, and experts think a more transmissible variant will fully replace the conventional virus in the metropolis in May.