Worry, skepticism abound as Japan plans to expand COVID emergency People expressed concern Friday after the government decided to add Aichi and Fukuoka prefectures to the areas for the coronavirus state of emergency and extend it to May 31, while some were skeptical about whether the measures can bring down the number of infections. "I wonder if it is worth issuing an (emergency) declaration now," said Tsukasa Ishii, who was on the way to work in Fukuoka Prefecture. Japan has seen no signs of new cases abating even under the current state of emergency. People wearing face masks are pictured at Nishitetsu Fukuoka Station in Fukuoka, southwestern Japan, during the morning commute on May 7, 2021, amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo