Gov't panel says coronavirus infections feared "rampant" in Japan english.kyodonews.net

KYODO NEWS - 19 minutes ago - 12:00 | All, Japan, CoronavirusA government panel of experts on Thursday said new-coronavirus infections in Japan appear highly likely to be "rampant," an assessment paving the way for the launch of a national headquarters to better respond to the outbreak.
The setting up of the headquarters sets off a process that would enable Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to declare a state of emergency if necessary under a recently revised law.
Health minister Katsunobu Kato is expected to submit the panel's assessment to Abe later in the day before the headquarters is set up, according to sources familiar with the matter.