Asahi wrote that in deciding to extend the nationwide state of emergency over the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Abe apparently succumbed to growing pressure from prefectural governors and leading doctors and public health experts who have insisted on the continuation of the national campaign to reduce social contact by 80% to rein in the virus outbreak. According to the daily, PM Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga, and other senior administration officials had initially been hesitant about extending the state of emergency across the board on account of its adverse effects on the Japanese economy. They were also reportedly concerned that if the emergency declaration were extended, calls would continue to grow for the central government to compensate business owners for prolonged closures.