Japan’s prime minister, Yoshihide Suga, has declared a state of emergency in the greater Tokyo area after a record number of coronavirus cases were reported in the capital and across the country.
Suga had come under pressure from his own health experts to take action, as the country battles a third wave of infections far more serious than those seen earlier in the pandemic.
“The situation has become increasingly troubling nationwide and we have a strong sense of crisis,” Suga said as he announced the new restrictions, which go into effect on Friday. “We fear that the nationwide, rapid spread of the coronavirus is having a big impact on people’s lives and the economy.”
Tokyo reported a record 2,447 new infections on Thursday, up from 1,591 on Wednesday, while media reports cited a nationwide caseload of more than 7,000, also an all-time high.
The surge has prompted warnings that Tokyo’s hospitals will soon be unable to cope with the influx of Covid-19 patients. “Every day we are seeing record numbers of infections. We have a very serious sense of crisis,” said Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister responsible for Japan’s pandemic response.
The measures, which will be in place for a month – but possibly longer – will be less strict than lockdowns seen in other countries, and unlike during Japan’s first state of emergency in the spring, schools and non-essential businesses will not be asked to close.
In addition, sports events will be allowed to go ahead, with the cap for spectators revised down to 5,000 people or 50% of capacity, whichever is smaller. Gyms, department stores and entertainment facilities will be asked to shorten their opening hours.
An estimated 150,000 bars and restaurants in Tokyo and the three neighbouring prefectures of Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama – which together account for about 30% of the country’s population of 126 million – will be asked to stop serving alcohol at 7pm and to close an hour later. People will be encouraged to avoid non-essential outings after 8pm.
Companies will be asked to step up remote working provision with the aim of reducing commuter traffic by 70%, media reports said.
