Japan's northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido has declared a state of emergency over the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, NHK World News reported.

Announcement made after 12 new cases recorded

The announcement was made by Hokkaido's governor, Naomichi Suzuki, at a press conference on Feb. 28, after 12 new cases were recorded on the same day.

Hokkaido now has 66 cases.

NHK World News further reported that one of the new cases includes a boy who is below 10.

Suzuki has since urged residents to stay home over the weekend.

Hokkaido has the highest number of Covid-19 cases in Japan

The Japan Times highlighted that thus far, Hokkaido has the highest number of Covid-19 cases in the country, out of 226 cases.

The prefecture has also recorded two deaths, as per Reuters, with the first death resulting in the prefectural education board urging local authorities to close all public and private elementary and junior high schools in a bid to stem the virus, on Feb. 26.

Japan's death toll from the virus currently stands at nine, including four from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

This was subsequently followed a day later by Japan's Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, calling for all elementary, junior high and high schools, to close until early April, Kyodo News further reported.

Top image collage from Fred Murphy/CDC and Benny Ang via Flickr