Abe Declares 'COVID-19 State of Emergency'... Urges "Reducing Close Contact" (Comprehensive)

First State of Emergency Declaration Since 2013 Act Enforcement
Governors of 7 Prefectures Can Request Refraining from Going Out and School Closures
Declaration Period Approximately One Month Until Next Month 6

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a state of emergency on the 7th targeting seven metropolitan areas including Tokyo in response to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Prime Minister Abe announced this during a government COVID-19 task force meeting held at the Prime Minister's residence that afternoon.

This is the first state of emergency declaration under the "Special Measures Act on New Influenza, etc." which came into effect in April 2013. Prime Minister Abe emphasized, "The most important thing is above all the change in behavior of the people," urging a 70-80% reduction in interpersonal contact.

Earlier that morning, the Japanese government held a meeting of the advisory committee on COVID-19 to consult experts on whether the current situation meets the criteria for declaring a state of emergency. According to the Special Measures Act, a state of emergency can be declared if ▲ there is a concern of significant damage to the life and health of the people and ▲ there is a concern of rapid nationwide spread severely affecting people's lives and the economy. The advisory committee judged that the current situation meets the criteria for declaring a state of emergency.

The areas where the state of emergency was declared include seven prefectures (metropolitan areas) such as Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba in the metropolitan area, as well as Osaka, Hyogo, and Fukuoka. Governors of these seven prefectures have legal grounds to request refraining from going out and school closures.

The declaration period is from that day until June 6, when Japan's Golden Week holiday ends, lasting about one month.