Wakayama to be under pre-emergency from Saturday

TOKYO (Jiji Press) — The government Thursday decided to put Wakayama Prefecture in the COVID-19 pre-emergency stage, effective from Saturday to Feb. 27.

The government made the decision after an advisory panel of experts gave the go-ahead earlier Thursday.

Following the addition of the prefecture, 35 of the country’s 47 prefectures will be under the pre-emergency state.

The National Governors’ Association calls for shifting the focus of coronavirus prevention measures to schools and nurseries.

The government plans to discuss the issue at a meeting with a different advisory panel Friday.