NHK



 

Japan has expanded its coronavirus state of emergency to the prefectures of Hokkaido, Okayama and Hiroshima, where daily case counts have been surging. The measure now covers nine prefectures, including Tokyo and Osaka and is in force until May 31.

Residents of Hokkaido are urged not to go out unless it is essential and dining establishments are asked to cut their business hours.

The northernmost prefecture as of Saturday had the highest number in the country of cases in the previous week per 100,000 people.

One woman living in the prefecture expressed hope that the case numbers would go down again.

A man expressed his gratitude toward medical workers and said people need to take the situation seriously and act.

The western prefecture of Hiroshima on Saturday reported 238 cases, marking its highest daily count ever. Many stores are closed in the popular tourist destination of Miyajima.

A shop keeper said he had the feeling the state of emergency would be expanded, but still feels put out by it, adding that his shop would have to throw out its raw food.

More than 6,400 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in the country on Saturday. Officials have confirmed 94 deaths.