Japan’s prime minister says coronavirus conditions in six prefectures have improved enough to lift a state of emergency on Sunday. However, the declaration will stay in place for Tokyo and three neighboring prefectures.
Suga Yoshihide stated, “What’s essential now’s to take thorough measures to prevent the spread of an infection and lift the state of emergency throughout the nation on March 7.”
Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Fukuoka, Aichi, and Gifu will all be launched early from the state of emergency at the end of this month.
However, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba will wait till March 7.
News that people might soon face fewer restrictions found a mixed response in Western Japan.
However, Osaka’s governor says the prefecture will be cautious not to move too fast.
Yoshimura Hirofumi stated, “It is essential that we do not allow cases to rebound. We’ll step by step lift restrictions to strike a balance between social and economic activities and anti-virus measures. It will likely be challenging, but I think we should attempt.”
A panel of specialists helped the central government come to the decision — however, some stay concerned.
The top expert issued a fresh appeal for everybody to cooperate.
Omi Shigeru stated, “When the state of emergency is lifted, there will be fewer infection control measures in place. And it will be easy for individuals to drop their guard.”
Day by day cases has slowed in recent weeks, with Japan confirming 1,056 new infections and 80 deaths on Friday.
Tokyo has reported 30 coronavirus deaths, marking the second-highest every day tally on record.
