Japan's Abe Lifts State of Emergency in 39 Prefectures... Citing Korea as Example, Urges "Avoiding Clubs"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Eunbyeol] Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced on the 14th that the state of emergency for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) will be lifted in 39 prefectures excluding 8 cities including Tokyo and Osaka.

According to NHK and others, Prime Minister Abe stated at a press conference that evening, "We must restart daily life in the COVID-19 era," and announced the lifting of the state of emergency in 39 prefectures.

However, he urged that "even if the state of emergency is lifted, the COVID-19 virus still exists around us," and warned not to relax infection control measures. He cited South Korea as an example, saying, "In countries that were believed to have successfully suppressed COVID-19 overseas, infections are increasing again."

After citing South Korea, Prime Minister Abe asked people to continue refraining from visiting bars, nightclubs, karaoke, live houses, and other such places, saying, "These have been locations where cluster infections have occurred so far, so please act to protect yourselves."

Prime Minister Abe explained that the COVID-19 situation may prolong and announced plans to prepare a second supplementary budget. He also stated that the upper limit of the 'Employment Adjustment Subsidy' provided to companies maintaining employment will be raised.

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