Tokyo virus emergency prompts cuts in domestic flights and bullet trains

Major airlines said Friday they will suspend more domestic flights after Japan declared a fresh state of emergency over the coronavirus crisis for Tokyo and its neighboring prefectures to stem the spread of the virus. ANA will cut 2,698 flights between Jan. 15 and 31, bringing its operation rate for January to 66% compared to 79% in December, according to its parent ANA Holdings Inc. Japan Airlines will cut an additional 3,567 flights between Jan. 13 and 31, with its operation rate for this month falling to 60% from 78% last month. Under a monthlong state of emergency through Feb. 7 covering virus hot spots Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama prefectures, people are asked to avoid nonurgent outings, especially after 8 p.m. <br/>