Japan Expands State Of Emergency For The Entire Country

Fewer than usual people at Shibuya Scramble Crossing is seen Wednesday, April 8, 2020, in Tokyo. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a state of emergency yesterday for Tokyo and six other prefectures to ramp up defenses against the spread of the coronavirus. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Fewer than usual people at Shibuya Scramble Crossing is seen Wednesday, April 8, 2020, in Tokyo. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a state of emergency Tuesday for Tokyo and six other prefectures to ramp up... Fewer than usual people at Shibuya Scramble Crossing is seen Wednesday, April 8, 2020, in Tokyo. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a state of emergency Tuesday for Tokyo and six other prefectures to ramp up defenses against the spread of the coronavirus. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) MORE LESS
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TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced a state of emergency for all of Japan.

Abe says the measure takes effect Friday and lasts until May 6, the end of Japan’s “golden week” holidays.

He says the nationwide state of emergency is aimed at stopping cross-border movement of people and achieve as much as 80% of social distancing “to overcome this national crisis in an all-out national effort.”

Abe’s previous state of declaration on April 7 only covered Tokyo and six other prefectures deemed at highest risks of infection. He initially issued a stay home request only to the people in those areas, though later expanded the measure to the rest of the country.

Abe also announced 100,000-yen ($930) cash handouts to all 120 million Japanese citizens.

Japan has more than 9,000 virus cases and about 150 deaths.

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