Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has downplayed the novel coronavirus pandemic, saying a declaration of a state of emergency in his country is not yet necessary.
According to NHK, Abe made the mark at an Upper House committee meeting Wednesday.
He said such a move could restrict people's rights.
Abe said his government would instead allow prefectural governors to make necessary requests and give orders.
Japan has confirmed over 2,220 cases of COVID-19 and reported at least 56 deaths.■
<Photo: Yonhap News>
