Japan extends state of emergency

Japan has extended its nationwide state of emergency to May 31 but Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he will gradually relax some restrictions to help resuscitate the economy.

Abe, pictured, made the announcement on May 4 but says the declaration designed to limit the spread of the coronavirus may be lifted earlier depending on advice from a task force due to meet on May 14.

The prime minister declared a state of emergency in seven prefectures on April 7 and expanded it nationwide on April 16. That declaration was set to expire on May 6 but its extension will coincide with the government revising guidelines for resuming economic and social activities while maintaining public health. 

By lifting some restrictions, politicians hope to placate public unease over economic damage being caused by the limits on their activities.

“May will be a month where we need to end this pandemic,” Abe told a press conference. “It will also be a month where we will prepare for the next stage.” 

More than 15,000 people in Japan have tested positive for Covid-19 and about 530 people have died from it.

The government is spending ¥108 trillion (NZ$1.7tn), equivalent to one-fifth of GDP, on stimulus measures to help companies and people affected by the pandemic.

Abe is also promising extra moves to ease the economic impact of the state of emergency, including money to cover rent payments, an expansion of aid to protect jobs and help for part-time workers who have lost their jobs.