Society

800 bankruptcies in Japan attributed to COVID-19

Dec 16 (NHK) - A Japanese credit-research firm says the coronavirus pandemic has driven 800 businesses in Japan into bankruptcy.

Teikoku Databank says the figure covers companies that went out of business or began legal liquidation procedures from February to December 15.

Restaurants and drinking establishments were the hardest-hit business category, with 126 failing.

Hotels and inns followed at 70, and construction firms at 57. Businesses are expected to experience harsher conditions ahead due to restrictions and other measures to stem a further spread of infections.

The government has decided to suspend its "Go To" travel-incentive campaign nationwide from December 28 to January 11.

Restaurants, pubs and bars are being asked to cut their operating hours in some areas.

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