Japan is extending its state of emergency through the end of the month.
Prime Minister Abe Shinzo says he'll consider lifting the extended declaration early if experts decide that's safe. He's expected to talk with those experts at a coronavirus task force meeting later this month.
But for now, Abe said the country hasn't yet seen a steady drop in new coronavirus cases. According to Johns Hopkins University, as of Monday there have been nearly 15,000 reported cases of the virus in Japan and almost 500 deaths.
Abe said the public needs to prepare for social distancing to be part of a "new lifestyle" while the country battles the virus. Japan's government will continue to help businesses and workers who have lost their income. So far, the country has approved $1.1 trillion in stimulus measures.
