Japan expanding state of emergency NHK WORLD -JAPAN 10 hours ago
Japan's government plans to expand the coronavirus state of emergency to seven more prefectures from Friday.
Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Shizuoka, Kyoto, Hyogo and Fukuoka are being added to the list as authorities fight the spread of the pandemic.
The government is also extending the duration of the state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka and the four other prefectures where it is currently in place, but was due to end on August 31.
The declaration is now set to last until September 12 in all areas where it is in force.
Quasi-emergency measures will also be expanded to 16 prefectures from Friday to September 12.
A government task force will formally endorse the decision after the government's coronavirus advisory panel approves the plan on Tuesday.