NHK




 

The Japanese government is planning to expand a quasi-state of emergency to Osaka, Kyoto and other prefectures amid a resurgence of coronavirus infections.

Japan's daily count of new infections topped 50,000 for two days in a row through Sunday. Nationwide, 14 deaths were reported, with 430 people in serious condition. Hospital bed occupancy rates are rising across the country.

Last week in western Japan's Kansai region, Osaka, Hyogo and Kyoto prefectures asked the government to apply tougher coronavirus restrictions for their areas. Okayama made a same request on Saturday.

Fukuoka, Saga and Oita in the Kyushu region of southwestern Japan are also among prefectures planning to seek the intensive measures.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio met relevant ministers, including health minister Goto Shigeyuki and Yamagiwa Daishiro, who is in charge of coronavirus measures, to discuss how to respond to requests from those prefectures.

The government intends to declare a quasi-state of emergency for prefectures that have filed such requests.

Kishida will meet relevant ministers again on Monday and make a decision after consulting an expert panel on Tuesday.

The government also plans to extend the quasi-state of emergency for Okinawa, Yamaguchi and Hiroshima, which is currently due to end on January 31.

The government hopes to curb the spread of the virus while maintaining social functions to minimize the economic impact.