Govt. Mulling Phased Easing Of State Of Emergency
The Japanese government has indicated it will consider easing anti-coronavirus measures in phases, depending on the infection situation in different regions. Revised laws to contain the virus are set to take effect next week.
The government has extended the coronavirus state of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka, and eight other prefectures until March 7. The declaration has been in place for four weeks and was originally set to expire on Sunday.
Health authorities report a decline in the number of new cases, but the government's assessment is that continued caution is needed as medical services are still overburdened.
The government has renewed its call for people to refrain from non-essential outings, and cooperate with efforts to expand remote work.
The government has also requested municipalities ahead of the graduation season to urge schools to apply anti-coronavirus measures at ceremonies. It also recommended people refrain from holding parties.
The government plans to lift the state of emergency before March 7 in areas where situations improve. But it is considering a phased easing of measures if the number of infections remains high in certain areas or there are risks of infections flaring again.
Legal revisions including the special anti-coronavirus law are set to take effect next Saturday. The law specifies main measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
These include allowing officials to fine people or businesses that do not comply. They also permit prefectural governors to impose anti-virus measures, even before the central government declares a state of emergency.
Regarding vaccines, the government says it plans to cover the cost of inoculating foreign residents and is preparing health-check documents in several languages.