Japan to Lift Coronavirus State of Emergency

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said Japan will lift the state of emergency related to the coronavirus in all regions on Thursday for the first time in six months, as the number of new infections and deaths decreases and the burden on the medical system eases.

Daily infections fell across the country from more than 25,000 last month to 1,128 on Monday, but the lifting of restrictions will be gradual, with some restrictions on restaurants and large gatherings remaining for about a month.

The government will issue a certification system under which only approved restaurants can remain open until 9 p.m. and alcohol bans will be lifted everywhere unless local governments object.