First weekend after state of emergency lifted

Jun 27, 2021 | News On Japan

Jun 27, 2021 (NHK) - People in parts of Japan are enjoying their first weekend since authorities lifted a coronavirus state of emergency. But even as crowds return to shopping districts experts warn the capital may be facing another uptick in cases.

Tokyo is one of 9 prefectures where the emergency declaration was lifted on Monday. One of its landmark sites, the Tokyo Skytree tower, has reopened on a weekend for the first time since May.

Visitors have to get their temperatures checked and sanitize their hands on the way in.

The building operator has shortened the hours of operation and limited the number of people allowed on the observation deck.

A man in his 30s said that it was his first visit and that he was very happy the tower has reopened on weekends.

A woman in her 40s said her family had ridden on a train for the first time in a year and a half as they have been avoiding trips.

However, authorities are already warning of a steady rise in cases.

On Friday, they recorded 68 infections from the more contagious Delta variant, which was first identified in India. That's the highest figure for one day.

Japan's health minister says the government may consider imposing another state of emergency if necessary.

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