Abe Denies 'Tokyo Lockdown Rumors'... Japan Medical Association Urges State of Emergency Declaration

Total Number of Infected Cases is 2,638

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki Ha-young] Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dismissed the possibility of declaring a state of emergency or martial law in relation to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to Kyodo News and others on the 30th, Prime Minister Abe said at the evening ruling Liberal Democratic Party executive meeting, "It seems there are rumors that I will declare a state of emergency or martial law," adding, "That will not happen at all. I hope people will be cautious about rumors and fake news."

Earlier, Japan passed a special measures law on the 13th that allows the Prime Minister to declare a state of emergency as a response to the spread of COVID-19, which came into effect on the 14th. Under this law, if Prime Minister Abe judges that the nationwide spread of COVID-19 will seriously affect citizens' lives and the economy, he can report to the National Diet and declare a state of emergency. In such a situation, governors of prefectures can request or order people to refrain from going out and schools to close.

On the other hand, the Japan Medical Association urged the declaration of a state of emergency to respond to COVID-19. Satoshi Kamayachi, Executive Director of the Japan Medical Association, said at a press conference that "Among experts, most now think it would be good to declare a state of emergency," and argued, "Considering the infection spread situation, it is now appropriate to declare it."

He added, "Since the declaration of a state of emergency has a significant impact on society as a whole, the decision should be made comprehensively, including from the perspective of quarantine."

However, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at a press conference in the afternoon, "Considering that the declaration of a state of emergency has a serious impact on citizens' lives, it must be carefully judged based on the opinions of experts in various fields."

Also, regarding rumors circulating on the internet that a lockdown measure would be issued in the Tokyo area starting April 1 if a state of emergency is declared, Secretary Suga responded, "There is no such fact. I clearly deny it."

Meanwhile, as of 6:30 p.m. on the 30th (NHK tally), 33 additional infections were confirmed on that day in Japan. As a result, the number of COVID-19 infections increased to 1926, and including 712 passengers on the cruise ship "Diamond Princess," the total number of infected people reached 2638.