NHK


 

Japan's government is reportedly in the final stage of discussions on declaring a state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka and two other populous prefectures amid rising COVID-19 infections.

Senior officials of the main governing Liberal Democratic Party told reporters on Thursday that they were informed of the plan by the government. The two other prefectures are Hyogo and Kyoto, both neighboring Osaka.

The officials added that the government is also considering designating Ehime Prefecture in western Japan as an area where stricter anti-coronavirus measures should be taken without declaring a state of emergency.

Ehime prefectural officials asked the government for the designation on Wednesday night over fears that rises in case numbers in some areas could continue, causing infections to spread across the prefecture.