Japan has declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus pandemic for Tokyo and three nearby areas as Covid-19 cases continued to surge.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga issued the declaration Thursday at the government task force for the coronavirus.
The declaration kicks in Friday until February 7. Under the state of emergency, the government is asking restaurants in Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa, and Saitama Prefectures to close by 8 p.m., employers to encourage staff members to work from home, and residents to refrain from going out for all but the most essential tasks, also after 8 p.m.
Meanwhile, Schools, museums, cinemas, gyms, and shops will remain open.
Legally, the state of emergency announced on Thursday carries no legal power to force businesses to close early, but Mr. Suga has said the government will consider amending the law to allow local authorities to penalize businesses that do not comply with official requests.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga issued the declaration Thursday at the government task force for the coronavirus.
The declaration kicks in Friday until February 7. Under the state of emergency, the government is asking restaurants in Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa, and Saitama Prefectures to close by 8 p.m., employers to encourage staff members to work from home, and residents to refrain from going out for all but the most essential tasks, also after 8 p.m.
Meanwhile, Schools, museums, cinemas, gyms, and shops will remain open.
Legally, the state of emergency announced on Thursday carries no legal power to force businesses to close early, but Mr. Suga has said the government will consider amending the law to allow local authorities to penalize businesses that do not comply with official requests.
