Major Japanese contractors Kajima Corp. and Obayashi Corp. said Friday they plan to halt construction nationwide through May 6, in response to the expansion of the state of emergency to the entire nation over the coronavirus outbreak.

Their announcements came a day after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expanded the state of emergency beyond Tokyo, Osaka and five other prefectures to the whole of Japan to curb the spread of the virus.

The rare decision could negatively affect regional economies with potential job cuts in the industry.

The two companies plan to suspend construction projects after gaining approval from their contractees and business partners, they said.

Kajima, which currently has about 700 construction sites across the country, said it may continue with some projects if they are in urgent need.

Shimizu Corp., another leading constructor, has said it will halt projects in 13 prefectures where the number of infections has rapidly increased, including Tokyo, Osaka and Kanagawa.

==Kyodo

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