Japan tightens COVID restrictions, notably in Tokyo, as the number of cases rises

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Image: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File

TOKYO, Japan (AP) – As a surge in omicron cases threatens to paralyze society, the Japanese government will set new limitations for COVID-19 in Tokyo and a dozen other regions starting Friday, allowing local leaders to shorten restaurant hours.

According to Economy Revitalization Minister Daishiro Yamagiwa, who is also in charge of antiviral measures, a government-commissioned experts’ panel agreed a plan on Wednesday to put the 13 locations under a three-week restraint through February 13.

At a government taskforce meeting later Wednesday, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to publicly unveil the additional measures.

To avoid economic harm, Japan has so far avoided using lockdowns to combat the pandemic, instead focusing on mandating restaurants and bars to close early and not serve alcohol, as well as advising the people to wear masks and exercise social distancing.

Since an earlier wave of infections subsided in September, Japan has been progressively expanding social and business activities, owing in part to the country’s swift success in spreading out the first two doses of vaccines, according to specialists.

Breakthrough infections caused by the omicron variant, however, are more common, according to scientists. After testing positive or coming into close contact with someone who has the fast-spreading virus, a number of medical workers and others have isolated themselves.

In certain locations, rapidly growing infections have already paralyzed hospitals, schools, and other sectors.

The national government is acting in response to pleas from local governors, notably Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who expressed concern that key public services, like as public transit and waste collection, could be disrupted.

On Tuesday, Tokyo recorded 5,185 new infections. More than 32,000 cases have been reported across Japan, increasing the overall number of illnesses to 1.93 million, with 184,00 deaths.

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Source: yahoonews.com 

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