Japan to lift emergency state in Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo: Economy Minister

Japan will lift its state of emergency in Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo on Thursday as the number of new coronavirus cases drops, Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said on Thursday.

Tokyo and four other prefectures, including Hokkaido, will remain under the state of emergency.

Japan on Wednesday reported 39 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of infections to 16,433, according to broadcaster NHK. 

The death toll increased by 11 to 784.