eFM News

[Anchor]

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has declared a state of emergency in multiple parts of the country to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus

Japan has reported more than 4,000 COVID-19 cases, including those from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, and at least 100 related deaths.

Ron Chang reports.

[Reporter]

The declaration is expected to take effect at midnight in seven regions - Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama, Osaka, Hyogo and Fukuoka - and remain in place for about a month.

It will empower governors of these regions to ask people to stay inside and businesses to close their doors as well as allow them to commandeer property for medical purposes.

Public transport, banks, groceries and other essential services will not be affected.

The move, however, stops short of lockdowns seen in parts of Europe and the United States.

In Japan, there will be no enforcement mechanism to keep people inside or stop businesses from operating nor penalties for those who fail to comply.

The move comes amid criticism that the country has not conducted enough tests.

According to Tokyo's health ministry, as of last Friday, just around 39,400 people had been tested across the nation of 125 million.

South Korea, which has a much smaller population than Japan, has tested more than 440,000 people.

Japan has called its testing adequate, emphasizing that its targeted to high risk cases.

Ron Chang, eFM News.■