Japan’s nationwide emergency lifted

TOKYO: THE Japanese government ended its nationwide state of emergency on Monday as cases have tailed off and planned to decide on a new aid package to help a virus-battered economy.

PM Shinzo Abe said Japan has been able to bring the spread of the virus under control and his government will decide on a second supplemental budget to help people and businesses reeling from the crisis. “The exit is now in view,” Abe said and reminded people to be on guard for a second wave of infections. He said professional baseball will start from next month, and concerts could resume, with crowds of less than 100 people. Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures as well as the northern island of Hokkaido were the last remaining areas under the state of emergency, and the lift comes a week ahead of schedule.

Abe declared an emergency in Tokyo and some other areas from April 7, later expanding it nationwide.