TOKYO -- In the latest escalation of measures to curb the coronavirus outbreak, the cabinet of Japan on Tuesday approved a bill that would enable Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to declare a state of emergency.
The move is the third measure adopted by the Abe government as pressure mounts to contain the epidemic before this summer's Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. Two weeks ago, Abe requested schools to be closed and events canceled nationwide, following up with legislation to release 270 billion yen ($2.6 billion) in emergency funds to subsidize companies and parents for missed work.
