TOKYO: The Japanese government is considering lifting the COVID-19 state of emergency in some of the 13 prefectures placed on special alert, in addition to the rest of Japan, Jiji Press learned Tuesday.

Of the 13, Aichi, Fukuoka, Ibaraki and Gifu are expected to see the state of emergency lifted, because new coronavirus infection cases have decreased substantially there, according to government sources.

The government is discussing the termination of the state of emergency in all of the 34 prefectures not on special alert. Among the 13 prefectures, Ishikawa may also come out of the emergency state.

The government will make its decision on the lifting of the coronavirus emergency declaration Thursday after examining infection trends and consulting experts.

Given the levels of new infection cases over the past week and other data, the government is leaning toward the view that it would be appropriate to lift the state of emergency in Aichi, Fukuoka, Ibaraki and Gifu prefectures, the sources said.

Meanwhile, Hokkaido, Tokyo and Osaka will remain among the prefectures requiring special alert, the sources added.

JIJI Press