NHK



 

Governors in Japan met online on Saturday following the extension of the coronavirus state of emergency. Some suggested the declaration should be lifted in phases.

The central government has extended its state of emergency until March 7 for 10 prefectures, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kanagawa.

Kanagawa Governor Kuroiwa Yuji said the revised coronavirus special measures law to take effect next week should be applied cautiously. He asked the central government to provide guidance on the orders and penalties stipulated.

Osaka Governor Yoshimura Hirofumi said the state of emergency should be lifted in phases in areas where it was confirmed to be effective to a certain degree. He called on the central government to present its criteria for applying the measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 outlined in the revised law.

Aomori Governor Mimura Shingo said a variety of businesses have been affected by the state of emergency, not only those within the target areas.
Many governors called for further economic and employment measures by the central government.

They also asked the government to swiftly provide more information on its vaccination plans.

The National Governors' Association is set to compile emergency proposals to call on the government to support businesses and workers, including those outside the areas covered by the emergency declaration.