Following the spread of the new coronavirus, one metropolitan area and three prefectures requested the government to consider issuing a state of emergency.
The government plans to consider whether to make a declaration while assessing the effects of the request for shortening business hours to restaurants in each of the three prefectures.
As the infection of the new coronavirus is spreading in the Tokyo metropolitan area, the governors of Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa will meet with the Minister for Economic Revitalization Nishimura on the 2nd and issue a state of emergency. I requested that you consider it promptly.
Minister Nishimura said, "We shared the view that the current infection situation in the Tokyo metropolitan area is a severe situation in which the issuance of a state of emergency is in sight. We will consider the issuance of a declaration as a national government."
On the other hand, Minister Nishimura tells the four governors that alcoholic beverages will be served at restaurants until 7:00 pm and the closing time will be 8:00 pm, and that he will refrain from going out unnecessarily after 8:00 pm. I asked the residents to do things like that.
He also expressed his intention to expand support for restaurants that respond to requests.
The government will hold a subcommittee within the week to hear from experts about the results of analysis of the infection situation during the year-end and New Year holidays.
In addition, we plan to consider whether to issue a state of emergency, the effect of the request for shortening business hours to restaurants in each of the three prefectures, and the impact on the economy as a whole.
What is a state of emergency?
The state of emergency is a measure based on the Act on Special Measures Against New Coronavirus.
If the nationwide and rapid spread could have a significant impact on people's lives and the economy, the Prime Minister will make a declaration and specify the period and area for urgent action.
The prefectural governor of the target area can request the residents to cooperate in infection prevention such as refraining from going out, except when it is necessary to maintain their livelihood.
In addition, you can request or give instructions such as school closures and restrictions on the use of facilities where many people gather, such as department stores, and if necessary, land and buildings will be provided to develop temporary medical facilities. It can be used without the consent of the owner.
Furthermore, in case of emergency, you can request and instruct the carrier to deliver medicines and medical devices, and if necessary, you can expropriate medicines.
Former Prime Minister Abe issued a state of emergency in seven prefectures, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Osaka, Hyogo, and Fukuoka in April last year, and has since expanded the scope nationwide.