Tokyo Governor Considered 'go To' Economic Impact
Tokyo's governor says she prioritized both preventing coronavirus infections and maintaining social and economic activity in asking some people to refrain from receiving domestic tourism campaign benefits.
On Tuesday, Koike Yuriko asked Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide to either exclude Tokyo from the government's Go To Travel campaign program or ask people to refrain from using it for travel to and from the capital. As a result, the two agreed to ask people aged 65 or older and those with underlying conditions to refrain from using the program for such travel.
On Wednesday, Koike was asked by a reporter whether she made the decision for the sake of economic activity.
She replied that Tokyo's economy is extremely large, and indicated that handling the city in the campaign is not a matter of Tokyo alone but has ripple effects nationwide.
The campaign was introduced to boost the tourism industry, which has been hit hard by the pandemic.
Koike said she wants to continue the request until December 17, but that she is still discussing it with the central government. Restaurants, bars and karaoke parlors that serve alcohol have been asked to cut their hours for 20 days, until December 17.
Koike also noted that medical institutions continue to face a tight situation ahead of the yearend and New Year season. She asked that people cooperate in observing anti-infection measures to protect themselves and others.
