The government has decided Monday to lift the state of emergency concerning the novel coronavirus that remains in effect in Hokkaido and the metropolitan area encompassing Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama prefectures.
The basic response policy, to be revised the same day, sets out guidelines for gradually expanding socioeconomic activities based on an assessment of the infection situation every three weeks. It calls for the medical system to make all possible preparations in case the infection spreads again.
A draft of the revised basic response policy, obtained by The Yomiuri Shimbun, specifies that "the head of the government task force [Prime Minister Shinzo Abe] will declare the lifting of the emergency measures as it is recognized that there is no longer a need to implement them."
In addition, it says, "It is necessary to establish a 'new way of life' throughout society and the economy entirely," and calls for continued efforts to prevent infection. By implementing preventive measures compiled by each industry, it makes an appeal to "prevent the spread of infections and maintain socioeconomic activities in a sustainable manner."
It adds that "it is important to strengthen the inspection system, strengthen the public health center system and work on countermeasures against clusters" in case the infection spreads again.
In conjunction with the revision of the basic response policy, the government has compiled guidelines for a timetable to resuming socioeconomic activities. According to the draft guidelines, concerts and exhibitions will be allowed to resume upon the lifting of the state of emergency, but the maximum number of visitors must not surpass 100 for indoor venues (200 for outdoor venues) and must not be more than 50% of the capacity.
After June 19, about three weeks after the emergency is lifted, the maximum will be extended to 1,000 people.
In addition, it was decided that sporting events such as professional baseball and the J.League will be allowed to be held without spectators from June 19. From July 10, up to 5,000 people will be allowed for both cases, and by Aug. 1, up to 50% of the capacity will be allowed regardless of the scale.
People are asked to refrain from traveling across the 42 prefectures where the state of emergency has been lifted through the end of this month. After June 1, travel restrictions will be eased in principle except for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama and Hokkaido prefectures, where the state of emergency is to be lifted Monday. After June 19, travel will be permitted nationwide. Tourism will be allowed in a phased manner in line with this.
In the case of hostess bars and live music venues where infection clusters have arisen, they will be asked to continue to refrain from opening through the end of this month. Reopening will be considered after June 1 at the discretion of each prefectural governor. In principle, karaoke establishments and gyms will be allowed to reopen from June 1, after thoroughly controlling the number of people and taking measures to prevent infection.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
