MOSCOW: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is planning to declare a state of emergency in the country on Wednesday to contain a rapid spread of COVID-19.
Sputnik news agency, citing the Kyodo news agency report on Monday quoting a government official, reported that declaring the state of emergency will allow local authorities to tell the citizens to stay at home, not attend public events and comply with hygiene requirements. However, there will be no fines for failing to comply with any such requirements and recommendations in Japan.
According to the media outlet, the emergency will concern the largest cities, namely, Tokyo and Osaka.
Abe is expected to address the nation on Tuesday, and the state of emergency will take effect starting Wednesday, according to a source in the government. The Japanese Prime Minister will specify which regions will be targeted and for how long.
Japan has registered 4,563 COVID-19 cases as of Sunday, 104 of which are fatal. Tokyo alone confirmed 143 new infections on Sunday, bringing the capital’s total to 1,033.
–BERNAMA
