Municipal employees patrol a street asking people to stay home amid the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak in Tokyo on May 4, 2020. - Japan's government is expected to extend its nationwide state of emergency to the end of May as it braces for a lengthy battle against the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in a task force meeting today that the country will extend its state of emergency until May 31.
Abe said he will review the infection status around May 14 to see if the order can be lifted beforehand.
The Japanese leader said the high vigilance and stay-at-home policy remain unchanged in 13 high-infection prefectures, while the rest of the nation will see gradual resumption of economic and social activities.
