Japan Tests New Preventive Measures
The Japanese government is trying out various measures to curb the spread of the virus while also supporting the economy. This comes as the number of daily new cases has recently been creeping up.
Japan has been reporting fewer than 1,000 new cases per day for over two months, down from a mid-summer peak.
But the recent figures are still much higher than those in late May when the nationwide state of emergency was lifted.
In total, more than 101,000 people have been infected. The death toll is over 1,700.
A large-scale study is currently being carried out at a baseball stadium near Tokyo.
Authorities have lifted a half-capacity limit on spectators to test the effectiveness of anti-infection measures.
They have put in place a system to check whether every person in attendance is wearing a mask. Multiple high precision cameras have been installed to monitor the number of mask-less spectators.
And another system is in place so officials can track the movement of people using a smartphone app and ensure social distancing is in place.
A baseball fan said, "I'd rather be cheering in a packed stadium. But I'm also worried about the coronavirus. I think this is a good opportunity to check the effectiveness of the measures."
Earlier on Friday...the government decided to further relax entry restrictions for travelers from nine countries and regions including China and South Korea.
It's also easing quarantine measures for returning Japanese residents.
Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide said, "With the use of scientific knowledge we have obtained in dealing with the coronavirus, we will try to balance the preventative measures and social activities."
Meanwhile, organizers of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics say they're not thinking about cancelling the Games or holding them without spectators.
They say starting on November 10th, they will refund ticket holders who will no longer be able to attend due to the one-year postponement.
Around 4.5 million Olympic tickets and one million Paralympic tickets were sold in Japan.
The organizers say that people who bought tickets outside Japan should contact local agencies for details.
