Japan's government prepared Monday to extend its nationwide state of emergency to the end of May as it braces for a lengthy battle against the coronavirus pandemic, reports AFP.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared an initial month-long state of emergency for Tokyo and six other regions on April 7, later expanding it to cover the entire country.
It is to expire on Wednesday, but Abe is expected to announce an extension to May 31 after a panel advising the government approved the plan.
"We obtained approval for extending the period to May 31 covering all prefectures in the country," said Abe's minister responsible for the virus outbreak, Yasutoshi Nishimura.
The prime minister is to explain the government decision at a press conference later Monday. As infectious diseases experts met earlier Monday, Nishimura warned the battle against the virus was far from over.
"Preparing for the fact that it will take a long time to deal with this infectious disease, I'd like you to propose concrete examples of a new way of life that would enable people to prevent infections while maintaining social and economic activities," he told a gathering of experts.
Japan's state of emergency is significantly less restrictive than measures seen in parts of Europe and the United States. It allows governors to urge people stay at home and call on businesses to stay shut. But officials cannot compel citizens to comply, and there are no punishments for those who fail to do so.