Hokkaido Declares State of Emergency... Requests Refraining from Weekend Outings

Hokkaido Reports 12 New COVID-19 Cases in One Day, Total Reaches 66

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Jiwon] Hokkaido, Japan declared a state of emergency on the 28th to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and requested residents to refrain from going out on weekends.

Naomichi Suzuki, Governor of Hokkaido, held a press conference in the afternoon and announced that the situation is becoming serious with 12 new infections confirmed in one day, and that the state of emergency will be in effect until the 19th of next month.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Hokkaido has increased to 66.

Earlier, an exhibition was held in Kitami City, Hokkaido from the 13th to the 15th, which was attended by about 700 people, and it is known that six of the attendees tested positive for COVID-19.

Hokkaido authorities believe there is a high possibility of a cluster infection linked to this exhibition and are focusing on identifying the routes of infection spread.

Among Japan's 47 prefectures, COVID-19 cases have been reported in 20 locations as of this day.

Hokkaido has the highest number, followed by Tokyo (36 cases), Aichi Prefecture (27 cases), and Kanagawa Prefecture (21 cases).

As of 6 p.m. on this day, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Japan, including about 700 passengers and crew members of the 'Diamond Princess,' has exceeded 930.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.