TOKYO (Reuters) – Tokyo will ask the Japanese government to extend a state of emergency with about two weeks for the capital and three neighboring prefectures due to a slowdown in the decline in COVID-19 cases, the Nikkei business newspaper reported on Tuesday .
The government put 11 of its 47 prefectures under emergency restrictions in January to run until March 7, and took it up early for everyone except the Greater Tokyo metropolitan area, which includes Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba prefectures.
While new cases of coronavirus have dropped significantly from a peak in early January, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said earlier that the pace of the decline has eased, and expressed concern that it may not be enough to lift restrictions. not.
“We may not be able to make it in time,” she told reporters, referring to the scheduled end of the March 7 emergency.
Tokyo is coordinating with the other three prefectures to request an extension, the Nikkei said late Tuesday, citing several unnamed sources. The four make up about 30% of the Japanese population.
While Japan’s infestation numbers are fading compared to those in hard-hit countries, the situation in Tokyo is being closely monitored as it will host the Summer Olympics from 23 July.
Asked about Tokyo’s position, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters that he would “first carefully examine the numbers and consult with experts and other stakeholders”, according to public broadcaster NHK. “Ultimately, I want to make the final decision myself,” he said.
On Tuesday, Tokyo reported 232 new cases of coronavirus, up from a peak of 2,520 on January 7. Nationwide, Japan has so far confirmed 431,250 infections and 7,931 deaths on Monday.
Under emergency measures, Japan has asked bars and restaurants to close at 8pm and companies should strive for more telecommuting. It also suspended the popular subsidized local tourism program ‘Go To Travel’.
(Reported by Chang-Ran Kim; edited by Philippa Fletcher)