New measures in Japan to tackle epidemic

A series of new measures have been taken against the epidemic in Japan. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has announced a second emergency package to tackle economic woes, which includes 50 billion U.S. dollars in loan programs to support small businesses. Cabinet ministers have also approved a special bill enabling Abe to declare a state of emergency. In South Korea, a lower trend in new coronavirus cases has raised a glimmer of hope. On March 10, the country reported less than 150 cases for the first time in two weeks. Authorities, however, have urged vigilance with new clusters of infections emerging in a call center and a dance class.