Japan experts decline to raise alert, as virus 'not yet prevalent'

But health ministry prepares for surge in cases

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Takaji Wakita, chief of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, right, and Health Minister Katsunobu Kato, at a press conference. © Reuters

YOSUKE KURABE, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- The coronavirus outbreak remains at an initial stage in Japan, an expert panel under the health ministry said Sunday, choosing not to raise the country's alert level to allow for a more aggressive response.

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