BANGKOK -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced Thursday, May 14, the lifting of a coronavirus state of emergency ahead of schedule in most of the country except for eight high-risk areas.
Abe lifted the measure in 39 of the country’s 47 prefectures. It remains in effect in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hokkaido and four other prefectures.
Abe declared a month-long state of emergency on April 7 in Tokyo and six other urban prefectures and later extended it to the whole country through May 31.
He said experts will meet next week to decide if the measure can be lifted in the remaining areas and pledged to bring the coronavirus outbreak under control by the end of May.
With signs of infections slowing, Abe is seeking to balance disease prevention and the economy.
“Today is a new beginning for our daily lives, a new normal,” Abe said. He warned of a possible resurgence of infections and urged people to adopt “new lifestyles” and continue social distancing measures such as working from home and avoiding out-of-town trips.
Abe said the world economy is “facing a once-in-a-century crisis," and pledged to compile another economic package to help businesses. His government approved a $240 billion extra budget last month to partially fund a stimulus package worth $1.1 trillion.
The state of emergency gives local leaders the legal basis to request social distancing measures but does not impose penalties.
Japan has more than 16,000 confirmed cases, including about 680 deaths. (AP)