Japan to set up Covid-19 HQ, possible step to declaring emergency

Under a law revised earlier in March to cover the coronavirus, the Japanese prime minister can declare a state of emergency if the disease poses a 'grave danger' to lives. - AFP

TOKYO (Agencies): The Japanese government was preparing to set up a special headquarters on coronavirus as early as Thursday (March 26) afternoon, a step that could set the stage for declaring a state of emergency over the outbreak, Kyodo news agency reported, after the capital of Tokyo saw a sharp rise in cases this week.

Under a law revised earlier in March to cover the coronavirus, the prime minister can declare a state of emergency if the disease poses a "grave danger" to lives and if its rapid spread threatens serious economic damage.