Abe says no need for another state of emergency over coronavirus

Tokyo – Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday reiterated there is no immediate need to declare another state of emergency in Japan .

Speaking at a press conference in Hiroshima, Abe said that hospital across the country were equiped and there had been far fewer serious cases compared the previous state of emergency was declared in April .
He aided the aim is to prevent the spread of infections as much as possible while also keeping social and economic activity going,” he said. “It’s a very difficult task, but we will act quickly and as necessary to protect lives and livelihoods while avoiding a situation where another state of emergency is needed.”

Abe called on the public to take precautions against spreading the coronavirus, such as avoiding the “3 Cs” — closed spaces, crowded places and close-contact settings .

“I ask that we be especially careful not to spread infections to the elderly,” he said.

Meanwhile, the metropolitan government of Tokyo on Thursday reported 360 new cases of the novel coronavirus, up from the 263 new infections confirmed on Wednesday.

The single-day figure brings Tokyo’s cumulative total to over 14,600.