TOKYO: Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday promised an unprecedented package of steps to cushion the world's third-biggest economy from the coronavirus pandemic, saying the country was close to a national emergency as infections surged.
Officials confirmed a further 60 cases in Tokyo and on Saturday announced 57 new coronavirus cases at aHit early by the coronavirus in its initial spread from China, Japan had seen a more gradual rise than the recent surge in much of Europe and the United States that has led to lockdowns of billions of people around the world.Abe held back from declaring a state of emergency though he announced plans to approve the drug Avigan that has proved helpful in treatment.
The government will come up with a supplementary budget within ten days and try to get it through parliament at the earliest date possible, he said. She asked the tens of millions of people in the city and surrounding regions to avoid non-essential, non-urgent outings until Apr 12, particularly this weekend.
Globally, infections have topped half a million with more than 20,000 deaths, with the contagion affecting more than 100 countries. "I'm a little worried, but I have an appointment today, which is why I'm outside," said a 41-year old man walking down the street, who declined to be named.
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