Japan's Abe vows fresh emergency package against virus

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday pledged another emergency package to tackle the coronavirus, appealing for cooperation as he faces criticism over drastic prevention measures.

The plan comes as the government ramps up its response to the virus, which has infected at least 230 people across the country and been linked to five deaths.

"We will swiftly compile a second emergency package" by using reserve funds worth more than 270 billion yen ($2.5 billion) in around 10 days, Abe told a news conference.

In mid-February the government set aside an initial 15.3 billion yen for the fight against the virus, including money to boost testing, strengthen inspections at borders and support manufacturers of face masks.

"On my own responsibility, I will take the best possible measures against various issues," Abe said Saturday.

He also vowed to speed up the introduction of legislation aimed at easing the impact of the virus on people's lives.

But Abe added that "we cannot score a ...