Japan set to extend state of emergency until end-May

Japan is set to extend its nationwide state of emergency to the end of May in its fight against COVID-19.

That's according to public broadcaster NHK, which said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to determine new prevention measures and explain the reasoning behind the extension during a media briefing on Monday evening.

The government is also expected to ease restrictions in areas with low-infection risks.

So far, the country has recorded around 15,000 positive cases and more than 500 deaths.