Japan lifts state of emergency in three additional prefectures

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday ended the state of emergency for the regions of Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo.

Japan removed emergency measures in 39 of its 47 prefectures last Thursday. However, the state of emergency order is still in force in five prefectures: Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba and Hokkaido.

Abe said the government might lift the state of emergency for other regions as early as next week if the positive trend continues.

"The state of emergency will continue in Tokyo, Hokkaido and other regions. We will meet with experts (on Monday) to update the situation on infections," Abe told reporters after ending the state of emergency in Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures.

"If the current situation continues, it is possible that the state of emergency could be lifted in those areas."