Japan Gets Ready To Lift State Of Emergency
The coronavirus state of emergency is ending in Tokyo, Osaka and other prefectures on Sunday, although it will remain in effect in Okinawa. In most places, it's being replaced by intensive quasi-emergency measures. But many people are worried the easing of the restrictions could spark another surge in cases.
The move comes as the pandemic continues to overshadow the upcoming Olympics. Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko has cancelled public-viewing events planned for the Games by the metropolitan government. Instead, some sites will be used to give vaccinations.
A wholesaler of alcoholic drinks says he's busy as restaurants and bars will go back to serving alcohol from Monday.
Venues will only be able to offer alcohol between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., and only to people visiting on their own or in pairs. Customers will need to leave after 90 minutes.
Meanwhile, several companies have begun vaccinating employees ahead of the full-fledged launch of workplace inoculations on Monday.
Mobile phone carrier KDDI kicked off its program on Saturday, targeting people who will work at its vaccination site. The company plans to inoculate up to 70,000 staff.
Kindai University rehearsed its vaccine rollout. Doctors and staff gathered at its main campus in the city of Higashiosaka, western Japan, to go over procedures. Up to 34,000 students, staff and teachers are set to get jabs from Monday.
Nationwide, officials confirmed over 1,500 new cases and 28 deaths on Saturday. The total number of patients in serious condition stands at around 700.