Efforts in the next two weeks to contain the ongoing spread of pneumonic infections caused by the new coronavirus hold the key to overcoming the problem. It is inevitable to take measures aimed at reducing the number of opportunities to become infected with the virus.
There has been a succession of moves to postpone, cancel or downsize sporting events, concerts, exhibitions and other events.
Spectators will be shut out from preseason professional baseball games to be played through March 15. Officially sanctioned games in soccer's J.League, basketball's B.League and rugby's Top League will be postponed for certain periods of time.
Concerts by popular groups Perfume and Exile have been canceled, while the Shiki Theatre Company has called off all its performances through March 8. National museums and art galleries are being temporarily closed.
At stadiums and concert venues where large numbers of spectators gather, people come into contact with each other at close range. Voluntarily restricting events is expected to prove effective in reducing the risk of further spreading infections.
It is safe to say that calls by the government for canceling or postponing events for two weeks has created momentum for various host organizations to shift to voluntary restraint.
Consider measures today
However, sports and art activities have the power to make people feel positive and spiritually rich. It can be remembered that a splendid showing achieved by the women's national soccer team after the Great East Japan Earthquake encouraged the Japanese people.
With respect to the spring grand sumo tournament scheduled to open on March 8, the idea of holding it without spectators is being considered. If the spring tournament is broadcast live, it will enable many people to enjoy exciting matches in the ring on TV.
It will be great if athletes' and artists' activities are made known to people via the internet or through other means, even during the voluntary restraint on events.
It is also important to explore ways for resuming sporting and other events and exhibitions after refraining from holding them.
There are many things not yet known about the new coronavirus. With the passage of time, however, it may be possible to clarify such matters as the infectiousness of the virus and characteristic symptoms. If appropriate measures are taken to deal with the situation, based on the new knowledge gained about the virus, there may be some cases in which events can be held.
Possible measures include not singing supporters songs while watching sporting events to prevent droplet infections. Another step is to prevent crowding in exhibition halls by imposing a certain limit on the number of people who are admitted into them. It is advisable to consider these responses from now.
It is worrisome to note that viewpoints from overseas are increasingly critical about Japan. Ahead of a qualifying round for the soccer World Cup, Mongolia has banned entrance into the country by visitors from Japan, arousing concerns about whether the match can be held there.
It is indispensable for the Japanese government to carefully explain to other nations about its nationwide efforts to fight the new coronavirus infections, thereby gaining their understanding.
-- This article appeared in the print version of The Yomiuri Shimbun on March 1, 2020.
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