Japan's main ruling party has elected Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide its new leader. The 71-year-old politician is virtually assured to succeed Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, who announced last month his intention to step down to deal with his health.

Suga said, "I would like to proceed with regulatory reforms by defeating such things as bureaucratic sectionalism, vested interests, and blind adherence to precedent. And I want to form a cabinet that will work hard for the people."

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."