In recent days, there has been a sharp increase in the number of coronavirus infections in these cities.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has decided to declare a local emergency (emergency) regime in a number of cities in the country in connection with the spread of coronavirus. This was reported on Monday by Kyodo agency.
According to him, the emergency regime will extend to Tokyo and Osaka, where in recent days there has been a sharp increase in the number of infected people. It is expected that the introduction of the emergency regime will be officially announced in the near future, the agency said.
In early March, the Japanese Parliament approved amendments to the current legislation, which allow the Prime Minister to introduce a national or local emergency regime in the country in case of need in connection with the spread of the new coronavirus. According to the document, the authorities have the right to prohibit the population of certain areas to leave their homes for some time without permission or special need.
With the agreement of the government, prefectural governors can also forcibly close educational and other public institutions. In the event of a shortage of treatment facilities, the authorities will have the right to build temporary hospitals, with the confiscation of the necessary land, buildings and medical supplies. Attempts to obstruct this will be subject to criminal penalties.
Abe plans to announce the emergency regime on Tuesday, but it will come into force on Wednesday, Kyodo reports with reference to a source in the Japanese government. At the same time, the current legislation in Japan, even in an emergency situation, will not allow the introduction of total quarantine, blocking settlements and transportation lines, as well as forced termination of most private companies. The announcement of a local emergency regime would give governors of the areas concerned the right to request or order the local population not to leave their homes without extreme need. The operation of schools, cinemas and other crowded places may be restricted or suspended. Governors would be given the right to requisition land and premises, as well as medical supplies, for the establishment of temporary hospitals. Attempts to obstruct this will be prosecuted.
At the same time, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike has already reported that he guarantees the normal operation of public transport, food stores and other structures necessary for the population, as well as private companies. No curfew or pass system has been introduced.
In the past 24 hours, more than 300 new cases of coronavirus infection had been detected in Japan. The total number of infected people, including passengers and crew members of the Diamond Princess cruise liner, has exceeded 4,500. The total number of deaths from coronavirus-induced disease in Japan is 104 and more than 70 people are in serious condition in the intensive care wards.