Govt. Expert Panel Approves Modified Tourism Drive
Japan's minister in charge of coronavirus response says a government panel of experts has approved a domestic tourism campaign that excludes travel plans to and from Tokyo.
Nishimura Yasutoshi made the announcement on the "Go To Travel" drive after a subcommittee meeting on Thursday.
The stimulus measure is designed to offer travel discounts. But some opposition lawmakers and local government leaders are concerned that the project could result in a spread of the virus.
Nishimura said the government side outlined for the panel its plan to launch the tourism push next Wednesday as scheduled with travel plans on leaving and arriving in Tokyo excluded.
The minister said the panel okayed the proposal on the condition that trips to and within Tokyo as well as Tokyo residents be eliminated from the campaign.
Regarding why the government ruled out journeys to and from Tokyo, Nishimura said the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Tokyo for the past seven days is much higher than in other parts of the country. He also noted the recent spread of infections from Tokyo to neighboring prefectures and a rising positive rate in virus testing.
