Jun 06 (NHK) - Across Japan, public officials and private companies are working on ways to prepare for - and try to prevent - a second wave of coronavirus infections.
In Tokyo, that includes turning attention to the problem of bars and night clubs.
Officials worry the virus could spread through these businesses - unchecked and undetected.
Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko said, "Many of the recent cases are linked to night time activities in downtown club districts. We will patrol those areas and ask people to be cautious."
Officials reported 20 new cases in the capital on Friday. Residents are under a special Tokyo Alert... meant to urge caution following a recent spike in cases.
As the country tries to boost testing numbers... Japanese companies are working together to speed up the manufacturing process for test kits.
Two major electronics firms will help Fujirebio expand capacity to create its coronavirus antigen tests.
The kits can identify an infection much faster than a PCR test... delivering results in about 30 minutes.
Toshiba will provide space and assistance to make the kits, while Hitachi will help make the process more efficient.
At the same time, the government is trying to reopen the economy.
But it says it may declare a new state of emergency, if there's a sudden surge of infections.
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide said, "Just like when we declared the emergency in April, we'll consider a comprehensive set of factors before making our decision. That includes the number of infections, how long it took for cases to double, and the ratio of cases where infection routes are unknown."
Japanese lawmakers will start debating a new supplementary budget next week... to support the government's coronavirus fight.
It's set to include a reserve fund worth about 91.5 billion dollars.
Opposition lawmakers said the government should not be given a "blank check" for an amount that large.
The main ruling party says at least half the money would go toward protecting jobs, supporting people in need and helping local governments boost medical systems.
LDP Diet affairs chief Moriyama Hiroshi said, "We want to have the extra budget enacted swiftly because these matters are of the utmost emergency."
Opposition Constitutional Democratic Party Diet affairs chief Azumi Jun said, "We will thoroughly check how the money is being spent."
The pandemic is also affecting more cultural events... including one of Japan's largest music festivals.
The Fuji Rock Festival will not be held this year. The organizer says it proved difficult to secure overseas talent, and there was just too much risk for spectators.
Across Japan, more than 17,000 people have tested positive for the coronavirus. Over 900 people have died.
