"To prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus infection, I consider it necessary to introduce a one-month emergency regime in seven prefectures: Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Osaka, Hyogo, and Fukuoka", Abe said in a live broadcast from the parliament.
The prime minister is set to chair a cabinet meeting later in the day where the state of emergency will officially be declared.
Passersby wearing protective face masks following an outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are reflected on a screen displaying stock prices outside a brokerage in Tokyo, Japan, March 17, 2020
© REUTERS / ISSEI KATO
Japan's urban centres have seen a jump in the number of coronavirus cases reported, with over 150 in the past 24 hours and seven deaths as a result.
Initially, Japan appeared to have successfully mitigated the spread of the virus, reporting less than 1,000 active cases as late as 20 March.
The total number has since climbed to 3,906 and has resulted in 80 deaths, according to Japan's Health Ministry.
