TOKYO, Apr 30 (NNN-NHK) – Japan declared states of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka and surrounding areas, in an effort to stem a widening COVID-19 outbreak, three months before the country plans to host the Olympics.
In addition to Tokyo and Osaka, the states of emergency cover the neighbouring prefectures of Kyoto and Hyogo, and will be in place until May 11. Together, the four prefectures are home to roughly a quarter of Japan’s 126 million people.
Japan managed the pandemic better than many other large economies, but a stubborn fourth wave, propelled by more infectious variants of the virus, produced the most daily cases since Jan. Officials began imposing looser restrictions in early Apr over parts of 10 prefectures, but those steps have failed to corral the outbreak.
Over all, the country has recorded slightly more than half a million infections and about 10,000 deaths from the virus.
The new restrictions are intended to be tougher and shorter than two states of emergency Japan imposed over parts of the country at the start of the pandemic last year and in Jan, although they fall shy of the total lockdowns seen in other countries. The measures give the prefectures the authority to ask businesses to close or restrict hours, and to fine those that do not comply.
Organisers of sporting events, including professional baseball games and soccer matches, will be asked not to allow spectators — although officials said that the emergency measures will not affect the Tokyo Olympics, whose opening ceremony is scheduled for July 23.
Polls indicate that the Japanese public is increasingly frustrated with Mr. Suga, over his handling of the pandemic and his government’s insistence on going ahead with the Olympics, which were rescheduled from last year. Organisers said, the event will take place without spectators from abroad, and have barred crowds from parts of the ceremonial torch relay. Still, in surveys, more than 70 percent of Japanese say, the games should be postponed again or cancelled.– NNN-NHK
