Japan is heading toward another series of emergency measures for several prefectures as Covid infections spread rapidly.
‘Pre-emergency’ measures are expected in 13 prefectures by the end of this week.
They would apply in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Aichi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Niigata, Gifu, Mie, Kagawa, Nagasaki, Kumamoto and Miyazaki prefectures.
Similar measures are already in place in three other prefectures.
The government is mulling applying the measures for three weeks.
"Tokyo and Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures constitute a single economic zone and residential area. It is important to take joint measures in keeping with local circumstances," Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike said.
Several prefectures requested the emergency measures themselves.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said: "If infections are going to spread further, the government will firmly implement priority measures and other restrictions on people’s activities."
