The ever-increasing number of Covid-19 coronavirus cases has not slowed down since the state of emergency, which was initially declared in Tokyo, Osaka and five other prefectures on April 7 and later extended nationwide on April 16. It is currently due to expire at the end of the Golden Week holidays on May 6.
The Japan Times reports that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is still deciding if the state of emergency will be extended by another month. In the meantime, the government has released a general timeline for the critical next week.
Friday May 1
Experts will discuss the current Covid-19 situation in Japan. Abe will also appear at a news conference to urge residents to stay inside during Golden Week (May 2 – 6) and discuss the guidelines for reopening schools.
Sunday May 3 – Tuesday May 5
The government’s advisory panel of infectious disease experts will meet over these three days.
After the meeting, the government’s Covid-19 response headquarters will discuss the possible state of emergency extension and decide on a plan of action for May 6 and beyond.
The current state of emergency, which affects all of Japan, will end on Wednesday May 6, the final day of Golden Week, unless there is an extension. At the time of writing, there are 13,564 confirmed cases in Japan. The best thing we can do is to stay home.
Follow live updates on the Covid-19 situation in Tokyo and Japan here.
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