Japan cancels hugely popular cherry blossom festivals amid Coronavirus outbreak

Hugely popular cherry blossom festivals have been cancelled in Japan amid dely coronavirus outbreak that is spreing rapidly all across globe. According to international media reports, tritional spring festival in Tokyo and Osaka that attracts huge number of people who come to witness pink and white flowers will t be taking place as planned in April. government of Japan in Osaka said on February 28 that y are sincerely sorry for those who planned to attend festival and asked m to understand concern. 

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Government urged people to work from home

According to reports, organisers of Tokyo's Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival said people could still enjoy blooming trees that grow along public ros. cancellations come as authorities heighten efforts in order to tackle dely virus in Japan, that has claimed five lives and infected more than 230 people.  schools have also been shut and government has urged people to work from home or travel during off-peak hours and avoid large garings. 

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Hokkaido declares state emergency

Meanwhile, rrn Japanese island of Hokkaido has declared a state of emergency amid rapid spre of COVID-19 in Japan. emergency was declared by Hokkaido Goverr Naomichi Suzuki on February 28 following ninth death on island due to dely virus.

According to goverr, emergency is scheduled to last until mid-March.  According to reports, Suzuki said, that y have been able to successfully contain virus but situation seems to be worsening. He has reportedly appealed to citizens of Hokkaido to t leave ir homes this weekend for sake of ir loved ones.

Hokkaido has, as of Friday, reported 63 cases and also two deaths because of vel Coronavirus. On February 28, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe defended his call for closure of schools across country over virus. call for school closures came as Japan steps up its response to outbreak, with Tokyo's Disney resorts and Universal Studios Japan anuncing y would close for around two weeks.

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