Expert Panel Calls For Continuing Thorough Steps
A Japanese government panel of experts has called for continuing thorough efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
The experts held a meeting on Wednesday, two weeks after the government declared a state of emergency. Economic Revitalization Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi and health minister Kato Katsunobu attended the meeting. Nishimura is in charge of anti-coronavirus measures.
After the meeting, Nishimura told reporters that the experts called for thorough efforts -- such as promoting telework and refraining from non-essential outings -- so people can avoid closed, crowded and close-contact settings.
The experts also referred to reported congestion at shopping streets and supermarkets in communities. They recommended measures that retailers should take. They include placing hand sanitizers at the entrance, designating spots for shoppers to stand in front of the cashier, restricting the number of shoppers, and introducing partitions between shoppers and clerks at the cashier.
The experts also called for efforts to minimize the movement of people during the upcoming spring holiday period. They said people must avoid increasing contact with the elderly, who are at higher risk of infection.
Nishimura said the government will take every measure to reduce contact between people by 80 percent.
The state of emergency is effective until May 6. Nishimura noted that the government will decide on what action to take after that period with advice from experts.
