TOKYO, Aug 2 (NNN-NHK) – Joining Tokyo and Okinawa, the four prefectures of Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Osaka entered into a COVID-19 state of emergency today, due to a recent spike in COVID-19 cases.
The state of emergency for the three prefectures near Tokyo, namely Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama, and the prefecture of Osaka, would last until Aug 31. Meanwhile, the emergency period in Tokyo and Okinawa was also extended to Aug 31, from the originally planned Aug 22.
The Japanese government is planning to roll out standards for easing restrictions, with the progress of vaccination of the population. However, the end of the pandemic seems yet to come in Japan.
Under the state of emergency, establishments serving alcohol or offering karaoke services are asked to suspend their business, and those not serving liquor are requested to close at 8:00 p.m. local time. The government would offer monetary compensation for compliance.
Outside of the six prefectures, a quasi-state of emergency is implemented in parts of five prefectures, namely Hokkaido, Ishikawa, Kyoto, Hyogo, and Fukuoka from today to the end of Aug. The quasi-state of emergency is less restrictive on business activity than the state of emergency.
According to the data released by the Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry, the number of COVID-19 patients being taken care of at home increased to 18,927, as of July 28, 1.8 times the number in the previous week. Hospital bed occupancy rates in Tokyo, Saitama, Ishikawa, and Okinawa prefectures were 50 percent or higher.
In pace with the summer and Obon holidays, the National Governors’ Association, yesterday urged people to avoid making trips across prefectural borders in principle. In case of making essential trips, people are asked to take virus tests.– NNN-NHK
