Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Saturday that "[Japan] is not in a situation to declare an emergency at this time."
Abe was speaking at a press conference at the Prime Minister's Office, which was held on the occasion of the enforcement of the revised law on special measures to prevent the spread of new coronavirus infections.
The revised law stipulates that the prime minister can declare a state of emergency based on the opinions of experts, and for a set period of time and for certain areas, in cases where a rapid national outbreak could seriously affect people's lives and the national economy.
Although the number of people infected with the virus in Japan is on the rise, Abe said, "[Japan] has been able to keep the number of infections per 10,000 people to a low level [as compared to other countries]."
Abe also suggested the possibility of declaring a state of emergency depending on the future situation, saying "Things are changing from moment to moment. We will observe developments and implement legal measures in accordance with procedures if necessary to protect the lives and health of the people."
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