Japan May Use Focused Anti - Coronavirus Measures
The Japanese government may consider using a newly-instituted anti-coronavirus framework if it detects signs of a resurgence in infections after the ending of the state of emergency on Sunday.
The framework is part of a revised law on special anti-virus measures. It allows prefectural governments to take focused anti-infection approaches even if a state of emergency is not in place.
In addition, the government plans to push five anti-virus programs, including preventing infection at dining establishments, bolstering the monitoring of virus variants, and conducting strategic testing for signs of a resurgence in cases.
The government also intends to keep Japan's borders closed to non-resident foreign nationals for the time being.
The government decided on Thursday to lift the extended state of emergency for Tokyo and three neighboring prefectures of Saitama, Kanagawa and Chiba on Sunday. The declaration has been in effect in the Tokyo area for about two and a half months.
Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide told a news conference on Thursday that great results have been achieved through focused measures under the state of emergency, such as asking dining establishments to cut their business hours.
He said the government decided to lift it after carefully confirming that the infection situation had met criteria, including the availability of hospital beds set aside for COVID-19 patients.
However, government officials say people need to continue to be on their guard against infection. They are concerned that new cases in the Tokyo area may resurge as people have many opportunities to gather in the coming weeks, such as farewell and welcome parties and cherry blossom-viewing festivities.