14 May

The Japanese government has consulted an advisory panel on its plan to lift the state of emergency in 39 prefectures.

The advisory panel, which includes infectious disease experts, convened on Thursday morning.

Economic Revitalization Minister Nishimira Yasutoshi sought the panel's views on ending the emergency in the 39 prefectures.

Later in the day, the government will present the plan to the steering committees of both houses of the Diet, and take questions.

And in the evening, Prime Minister Abe Shinzo will hold a news conference to explain why the state of emergency is being lifted.

The decision will then be finalized by the government's coronavirus task force.

NHK