TOKYO – Japan may scrap a pandemic-linked state of emergency in six prefectures ahead of schedule, leaving it in place only in metropolitan areas, reported Sputnik news agency, quoting media reports today.
The state of emergency is currently in place in 10 prefectures until March 7.
According to the Asahi newspaper, it can be cancelled by late February in all but four metropolitan areas: Tokyo, Saitama, Kanagawa and Chiba.
According to reports, the government will tomorrow decide to convene an expert committee on February 26 to cancel the emergency in Osaka, Hyogo, Kyoto, Aichi, Gifu and Fukuoka.
The governors of Osaka, Hyogo and Kyoto agreed at an online meeting earlier today to send a proposal to the government to lift the state of emergency ahead of schedule.
The state of emergency involves shorter operating hours for restaurants, movie theatres, entertainment venues and some shops.
Also in effect is a ban on public events, and workplaces are required to have 70% of employees working remotely.
However, schools remain open under the current restrictions. – Bernama, February 23, 2021
