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Japan to expand virus emergency to seven more regions
TOKYO, Jan 13, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Japan is set to expand a coronavirus state
of emergency on Wednesday to seven more regions including the major cities of
Osaka and Kyoto, as infections surge nationwide.
While the country’s outbreak remains comparatively small, with around 4,100
deaths overall, there has been a sharp spike in cases this winter and medics
say hospitals are under heavy strain in the worst-affected areas.
The month-long emergency measure — which unlike strict lockdowns elsewhere
in the world carries no enforcement mechanism — was implemented in the
greater Tokyo area last week.
It asks restaurants and bars to close by 8 pm, with residents requested to
avoid unnecessary outings and telework strongly encouraged.
“We want to have a declining trend in infections by February 7, by all
means,” said Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister in charge of Japan’s pandemic
response, referring to the period’s planned end date.
The move, expected to be announced by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga this
evening, means that, from Thursday, 11 of the country’s 47 prefectures will
be under the state of emergency — accounting for about 60 percent of its
GDP.
They range from central Aichi, an industrial and commercial hub, to Fukuoka
in the southwest and Osaka, which has reported record new cases in recent
days along with neighbouring Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures.
The law does not currently allow authorities to enforce the requests,
although the government is planning legislation to fine businesses that do
not comply.
It comes just over six months before the virus-postponed Tokyo Olympics are
due to open. Suga has insisted he is committed to holding the Games this
summer, despite polls showing widespread public opposition.
BSS/AFP/SSS/1458 hrs