Japan considers nationwide emergency declaration due to COVID-19
Updated 16:11, 16-Apr-2020
CGTN
Gion district is quiet in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, April 15, 2020. /AP

Gion district is quiet in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, April 15, 2020. /AP

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has decided to declare a nationwide state of emergency in an attempt to prevent the further spread of the new coronavirus in the county, reported Kyodo news, citing a government official.

The Japanese government is due to hold a meeting with a panel of experts on Thursday to consult about whether to expand the country's partial state of emergency, chief spokesman Yoshihide Suga told a news conference.

On April 7, Abe declared a month-long state of emergency in Japan covering Tokyo, Osaka and five other prefectures for a period of about a month.

The declaration empowers governors to enact specific measures to cope with virus spread including calling for closures of school and some business.

(With input from agencies)