Japanese PM Abe Shinzo. (Reuters)

The one-month emergency period will cover Osaka, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Hyogo and Fukuoka prefectures as well as the capital. The move hands powers to local governments to try to contain the spread of the virus that causes Covid-19, including by urging residents to stay at home.

Abe made the announcement at a meeting of his coronavirus task force. The prime minister called on people to cooperate fully and avoid going out, adding he will lift the measure quickly when it’s no longer needed.

Unlike countries like France — where residents can be fined for leaving their homes — there is no legal power to enforce limits on people’s movements.

An emergency declaration enables local officials to take measures such as ordering the cancellation of events, restricting use of facilities such as schools and movie theaters and appropriating land or buildings for temporary medical facilities.