Tokyo stands at a critical juncture this weekend as a request for residents to isolate themselves aims to prevent a major spike in cases of the novel coronavirus and help avoid a citywide lockdown.

“The city is on the verge of the point at which we might still be able to prevent an explosive rise in coronavirus cases," Gov. Yuriko Koike said Friday.

“If that occurs, the city’s hospitals would be overwhelmed and the lives of residents could be put in serious danger,” she said. “We need people to be aware of the risk and help us avoid that situation at all costs.”