Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe has declared a state of emergency amid the global coronavirus virus pandemic.

The state of emergency will last from April 7th until May 6th. Osaka, Tokyo, and at least five other prefectures are included in this state of emergency. The state of emergency will empower prefectural leaders to take steps to curb the spread of the virus.

Japan’s state of emergency is expected to be less strict than those abroad. While western cities have been placed in total lockdowns, the prime minister has assured citizens the state of emergency will not be that severe.

The same day, Japan’s Computer Entertainment Rating Organization (CERO) has announced a month-long closure to coincide with the beginning and end of the state of emergency. The state of emergency could see other non-essential organizations and events closing their doors until the end of the emergency.

Associated Press reports that Abe also stated that the government will launch a 108 trillion yen stimulus package (est. $1 trillion USD). This would be Japan’s largest ever stimulus package. It will pay 300,000 yen (est. $2750 USD) to households with a severe loss of income, and 26 trillion yen (est. $238 billion USD) to combat delays from taxes and social welfare payments.

The coronavirus pandemic (also known as COVID-19 officially, or Chinese Flu to others) has affected many worldwide, from businesses to public gatherings and events. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. This includes the postponement of GDC, and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, along with the cancellation of E3 2020, and Comiket 98.

The Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering are mapping the virus’ spread [1, 2]. As of this time of writing, there have been over 1.3 million total confirmed cases worldwide, and over 994,000 active cases. There have been over 76,000 deaths, however over 292,000 people have made a “total recovery.”

Japan has had a total of 3,906 cases (3,222 active cases), 92 deaths, and 592 recoveries.

Image: Associated Press