Hokkaido Raises Coronavirus Alert Amid Resurgence
Japan's northern prefecture of Hokkaido has decided to raise its alert for the coronavirus outbreak by one notch to Level 3 on a scale of five.
The move comes after the prefectural government raised the alert to Level 2 in October amid a resurgence in the number of new infections. The government asked residents and businesses to cooperate with the various restrictions.
But the number of new cases in the prefecture has continued to increase and indicators such as available hospital beds have further worsened.
Members of the prefecture's coronavirus task force agreed to raise the alert to Level 3 on Saturday.
For about three weeks until November 27, bars and night clubs in the Susukino entertainment district in Sapporo City will be asked to close at 10 p.m.
Karaoke shops and restaurants in the district will be asked to stop serving alcohol by 10 p.m.
The prefecture also plans to ask residents and travelers to refrain from going to any establishments in Susukino that serve alcohol after 10 p.m.
Hokkaido Governor Suzuki Naomichi said it's a fight to protect Susukino.
The governor said that everyone needs to come together and change their behavior to defeat what he called the invisible enemy. He said it is a critical moment to contain the virus by the end of this month.
