Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide said, “The rapid spread of COVID-19 across the country has created a situation that could have a serious impact on people’s lives and the economy. Therefore, I hereby declare a state of emergency based on the anti-virus law.” The declaration will cover Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba prefectures.

It will go into effect on Friday and remain in place until February 7. A state of emergency is less strict in Japan than in many western countries. Prefectural governors will have the legal authority to urge residents to cooperate with prevention efforts. Bars and restaurants will be asked to close by 8 p.m. and to stop serving alcohol an hour earlier.

Residents will also be asked to refrain from non-essential outings after 8 p.m. Companies will be asked to encourage remote work, and reduce the number of staff in their offices by 70 percent. The number of spectators at live events will be limited to half of the available seats… and no greater than 5,000. Schools, however, will not be asked to close