Coronavirus: Japan ends nationwide state of emergency with restrictions now lifted in Tokyo

World's third-largest economy has seen only 839 deaths so far

Shinzo Abe is broadcast announcing the end of the state of emergency in Tokyo (Reuters)

Japan's nationwide state of emergency over the coronavirus pandemic has been brought to an end after prime minister Shinzo Abe lifted restrictions in Tokyo and the four other remaining areas.

Experts on a government-commissioned panel approved the lifting of the emergency in the capital, neighbouring Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama prefectures, and in Hokkaido to the north, which had remained under the emergency declaration after it was removed in most of Japan earlier this month.

Japan, with about 16,600 confirmed cases and 839 deaths, has so far avoided the large outbreaks experienced in the US and Europe despite softer restrictions.

Mr Abe said the lifting of the emergency does not mean the end of the outbreak. He said the goal is to balance preventive measures and the economy until vaccines and effective drugs become available.

But the world's third largest economy has fallen into a recession, and public discontent over the prime minister's handling of coronavirus has sent his support ratings tumbling. Recent media surveys show public support for his cabinet has plunged below 30 per cent, the lowest since he returned to office in December 2012.

Mr Abe declared the state of emergency on 7 April in several parts of Japan including Tokyo, expanded it to the entire nation later in the month, and then extended it until the end of May.

Under the emergency, people were asked to stay at home and non-essential businesses were requested to close or reduce operations, but there was no enforcement.

Since 14 May, when the measures were lifted in most of Japan, more people have left their homes and shops have begun reopening.

Yasutoshi Nishimura, the economy minister, said recent data suggests infections have slowed enough and pressure on the medical system has fallen enough to allow a gradual resumption of social and economic activity.

He said Tokyo, Kanagawa and Hokkaido, where the number of infections is still fluctuating, need to be watched closely.

Individual prefectures are allowed to impose their own measures.

Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike said last week that the capital will reopen in three phases starting with schools, libraries, museums, and longer service hours for restaurants.

She said theatres, sports facilities and other commercial establishments will be next, with nightclubs, karaoke and live music houses in the final phase.

Associated Press