CORONAVIRUS: Japan announces state of emergency, as Ivory Coast minister tests positive

Concerned authorities in Japan are set to announce a state of emergency later on Tuesday amid a steady rise of infections in the cities of Tokyo, Osaka and other areas in the country.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will announce a state of emergency for the capital Tokyo and six other prefectures to stem a worrying rise in coronavirus infections in key population centres.

Abe is also planning to finalise a significant stimulus package worth 108 trillion yen ($990bn) – equal to 20 percent of Japan’s economic output – to cushion the heavy effect of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Japanese Prime Minister will hold a news conference at 7pm (10:00 GMT), after seeking formal advice on declaring the emergency from a panel of experts.

READ ALSO: Surrender now or die, President Deby tells Shekau, as B’Haram leader begs Chadian troops to leave them alone

“Japan and countries overseas are facing their biggest crisis in recent years because of the coronavirus outbreak,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast’s Defense Minister Hamed Bakayoko has tested positive for the coronavirus with 323 cases confirmed in the country and three recorded thus far by health authorities.

Mr Bakayoko who has since been quarantined said he had shown no symptoms before the tests and urged citizens to be vigilant.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now