Japan Counts Down to Third State of Emergency... Targeting Tokyo, Osaka, and Hyogo

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The Japanese government is considering declaring a state of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka, and other areas amid the resurgence of COVID-19.

On the 21st, Japan's NHK broadcast stated, "We are considering applying restrictions to major cities to prevent the spread of COVID-19." It appears that Hyogo Prefecture will be included along with Tokyo and Osaka.

If the state of emergency is declared this time, it will be the third, following last April and this past January.

Following Osaka, Tokyo is scheduled to request the government to issue a state of emergency on the 22nd. Hyogo Prefecture also plans to coordinate with Tokyo and Osaka Prefecture.

The previous day, Osaka reported 1,153 new confirmed cases. Tokyo had 711 cases, exceeding 700 again after three days, and Hyogo Prefecture reported 427 cases.