Japanese Prime Minister Abe is declaring a state of emergency effective tomorrow Tuesday, 7th April, covering the most densely populated metro areas — Tokyo and the surrounding prefectures of Chiba, Saitama and Kanagawa; and Osaka, Hyogo and Fukuoka to the west.
The total population effectively covered is more than 55 million people. Japan has a population of about 126 million. This means more than 40% of the country would be in some sort of restricted movement for a month. Initially the government had proposed to shut down for 6 months.
According to his statement, Japan’s lockdown would be different from what other countries have enforced. Residents are being asked to work from home during this period that would last till May 6th.
Residents can still walk around their homes, and go out for essentials. Supermarkets and drug stores will remain open. Other businesses will remain shut. Some, including department stores, coffee shops and retail had already voluntarily begun shutting down.
Japan has reported 3,654 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 85 deaths associated with the complications of it.
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