TOKYO (Reuters) – Tokyo will ask the Japanese government to extend the state of emergency by about two weeks for the capital and three neighboring city halls due to the slowdown in the decline in COVID-19 cases, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Tuesday.
In January, the government placed 11 of its 47 prefectures under emergency restrictions to operate until March 7, suspending them in advance for everyone except the Greater Tokyo metropolitan area, which includes the prefectures of Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba.
Although new coronavirus cases dropped significantly from a peak in early January, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said earlier that the pace of the decline had slowed, expressing concern that it may not be enough to lift restrictions.
“We may not be on time,” she told reporters, referring to the scheduled end of the state of emergency on March 7.
Tokyo is coordinating with the three other prefectures to request an extension, the Nikkei said Tuesday night, citing several unidentified sources. The four represent about 30% of the Japanese population.
Although the numbers of infection in Japan are lower compared to those of hard-hit nations, the situation in Tokyo is closely watched as it will host the summer Olympics on 23 July.
Asked about Tokyo’s position, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters that he “would carefully examine the numbers first and consult with experts and others involved,” according to public broadcaster NHK. “At the end of the day, I want to make the final decision myself,” he said.
On Tuesday, Tokyo reported 232 new cases of coronavirus, compared to a peak of 2,520 on January 7. Across the country, Japan has already confirmed 431,250 infections and 7,931 deaths on Monday.
Under emergency measures, Japan asked bars and restaurants to close at 8 pm and that companies strive for more telecommuting. It also suspended a popular subsidized domestic tourism program “Go To Travel”.
(Reporting by Chang-Ran Kim; Editing by Philippa Fletcher)