Japan ends its state of emergency as outbreak ‘improves’
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has lifted the state of emergency in the country, as new coronavirus case numbers tail off.
Mr Abe made the announcement yesterday, allowing businesses in Tokyo, its surrounding areas and the northern island of Hokkaido to reopen gradually.
Tokyo reported 14 new cases on Sunday, the highest daily tally since May 16, a day after only two new cases were confirmed in the city.
But the total for the past seven days was 50, below the threshold of 70, or 0.5 people per 100,000, the government set as a requirement for lifting the state of emergency.
“The number of infections is decreasing day by day. That can be seen even in areas where the state of emergency was still in effect,” Health Minister Katsunobu Kato said.
“The situation of the outbreak is improving and the pressure on the medical system is being relieved.”
Japan has reported more than 16,500 infections and more than 800 deaths since the outbreak began.
Economic Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said ending the state of emergency did not mean the pandemic was at an end.
The goal is to minimise the chances of further infections while balancing preventive measures and the economy, he said.
Mr Abe declared the state of emergency on April 7.
Unlike full lockdowns, which are not legal in Japan, the country’s state of emergency was largely a request for people to stay at home and non-essential businesses to close or reduce hours.
Schools and businesses will reopen in phases across Tokyo and three neighbouring districts as officials monitor any signs of a resurgence in the virus.
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike has laid out guidelines for reopening the economy as the city’s residents gradually resume activities kept on hold for almost seven weeks.
In South Korea, authorities have already reported a major cluster of Covid-19 cases among people who visited nightclubs after restrictions were eased in the country.
Mr Abe has vowed to work with regional governments to prepare for a second wave of infections experts say is almost inevitable as Japan opens up again.