NHK has learned that the Japanese government's task force drew up a draft policy to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.

The policy says prefectural governors could ask residents to refrain from going out for about 3 weeks, if the prime minister declares a state of emergency to deal with the outbreak.

Japan's government has launched a new task force to fight a growing coronavirus outbreak. The move paves the way for the Prime Minister to declare a state of emergency based on a newly enacted law.

Shinzo Abe said, "In order to overcome the challenge our country is now facing, the state, local governments, medical workers, business operators and all residents need to be united and push ahead with measures to tackle the illness caused by the new coronavirus. I want the minister in charge of the special law, the health minister, and other relevant ministers to swiftly come up with basic guidelines."

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called for a united front against the coronavirus pandemic during a video conference with his Group of Seven peers.

Abe spoke to reporters following the 50-minute conference on Monday.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has laid out his government's plans to fight the new coronavirus. He discussed a newly enacted law that allows him to declare a state of emergency, if needed.

Abe said "This legislation is to prepare for emergencies. When the administration determines whether to declare a state of emergency, that would put restraint on various private rights. It will seek for recommendation from experts in making the decision carefully. Currently, the number of infections is still rising. However, the increase speed is slower compared with other countries where the speed of infection in accelerating. Given the situation, it is not necessary to declare a state of emergency now."

With the WHO designating the outbreak as a pandemic, Japan's prime minister says his country will do all it can to fight the virus.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said: "I think the WHO has made its decision based on the fact that the infection continues to spread globally. Japan will cooperate with the international community more than ever and strengthen measures to tackle the issue."

The Japanese government has unveiled its new strategy to deal with the growing coronavirus outbreak. Major measures include telecommuting, working staggered hours, and accepting patients at general hospitals in areas of high infection.

Members of the government's task force decided on the new policy at their meeting at the prime minister's office.