Japan Pushes To Boost Economy As Infection Spreads
The Japanese government is pushing ahead with plans to get the economy back on track even as the outbreak continues to spread.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide said, "I think it's necessary to strike a balance of social and economic activities while taking effective measures to prevent infection."
As part of an initiative to boost the economy, officials last week kicked off a campaign to promote domestic tourism. The "Go to Travel" plan helps cover transport and hotel costs. People can travel 35 percent more cheaply than usual.
Tourist spots say they want more visitors.
Acting chief of Ryugashido Cavern, Tadauchi Kazuhiro, said, "We are taking sufficient measures and hope everyone will come."
But many worry the campaign could fan the spread of the virus from hotspots such as Tokyo.
Travelers have reportedly carried the virus from the capital to other regions.
Sixty percent of the cases in Tokyo are untraceable.
Officials say they are on alert as infection spreads among the elderly.
The government says it needs businesses to cooperate through steps such as implementing robust hygiene measures.
There have been over 31,000 confirmed infections across the country.
