Tokyo doctor recommends avoiding group drinking

NHK -- Jul 16

The head of the Tokyo Medical Association has called on people not to get together for drinks this month, to prevent further spreading of the coronavirus in the capital.

Association chairman Ozaki Haruo made the request in a phone interview with NHK, after the Tokyo Metropolitan Government raised its alert level for the virus to the highest of its four-tier scale.

He said the virus is definitely spreading in not only nightlife districts but also other communities. He added that without effective measures, it could spread further.

Ozaki said infections are spreading in places where people drink alcohol. He urged people to refrain from getting together for drinks or meals, at least this month.

Ozaki said it has become clear that people can be infected when talking to each other in crowded, confined places. He said there is no choice but to ask people to avoid such places.