Abe: Japan can contain COVID-19 spread, no need for national emergency

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has expressed confidence in the county's ability to contain the spread of the new coronavirus, adding that there is no need to declare a state of emergency at the moment.

Abe made the remarks at a press conference on Saturday, a day after the Diet passed a bill giving the prime minister the power to declare a state of emergency.

Abe noted that the number of infections in Japan is lower compared with other countries.

He praised Japan for successfully containing the spread of the virus and helping 40 percent of patients recover.

Japan has registered over 1,400 confirmed cases so far including those from the Princess Diamond cruise ship, and 28 have died so far.