Govt. Panel Approves Transition From Emergency
The Japanese government's coronavirus advisory panel has approved lifting the state of emergency for nine prefectures from Monday. Seven of these prefectures will then have focused restrictions through July 11.
Ten prefectures, including Tokyo and Osaka, are currently covered by the coronavirus state of emergency.
Economic Revitalization Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi, who is in charge of the country's coronavirus response, told the panel on Thursday that the government plans to lift the declaration from Monday as scheduled in nine prefectures, excluding Okinawa.
He explained that quasi-emergency measures for the coronavirus will be applied to seven of those prefectures -- Hokkaido, Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka, Hyogo, Kyoto and Fukuoka -- through July 11.
Nishimura noted that the strain on the health care system in the seven prefectures has been eased, but they need to prevent a rebound in cases triggered by increased foot traffic and the spread of variants. He added that Okinawa will remain under the state of emergency until July 11 as the prefecture's health care system is still overwhelmed.
Quasi-emergency measures are currently being applied in five prefectures. The government plans to end the measures in Gifu and Mie on Sunday as scheduled, while extending them in Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa until July 11.
Pubs and restaurants in the areas with restrictions will be asked to close at 8 p.m., but will be allowed to serve liquor until 7 p.m., provided that strict anti-infection measures are in place.
Prefectural governors will be authorized to stop them from serving liquor, depending on the infection situation.
Nishimura said the government will be flexible in declaring a state of emergency and applying restrictions when necessary to prevent an anticipated rebound in cases from becoming a huge wave.
The government's plan will be finalized by its coronavirus task force later on Thursday, following a report to the Diet.
Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide will explain the government's decision at a news conference in the evening.