Hokkaido May Raise Virus Alert Level On Sunday
NHK has learned that Japan's northern prefecture of Hokkaido is considering raising its alert for the coronavirus outbreak to Level 3 on Sunday.
The prefecture is expected to make a decision on Saturday.
The alert was raised to Level 2 on October 28 and residents and businesses were asked to cooperate with the various restrictions for about two weeks.
But the prefecture says indicators such as the number of available hospital beds have further worsened.
It is now planning to extend the period of preventive measures for about three more weeks from Sunday.
Residents are being asked to refrain from going out when they feel sick.
Cases have spiked in the Susukino entertainment district in the prefectural capital of Sapporo. The prefecture plans to ask bars and nightclubs there to close at 10:00 p.m. Karaoke shops and restaurants will be asked to stop serving alcohol by 10:00 p.m.
The prefecture and the city are discussing the amount of subsidies for businesses that comply with the measures.
Hokkaido Governor Suzuki Naomichi and Sapporo Mayor Akimoto Katsuhiro are to hold a joint news conference and request the public's cooperation.
