Japan To Unveil Basic Vision On Reopening Economy
Japan's government plans to unveil a basic idea on how to partially reopen the economy when it announces an extension of the nationwide state of emergency.
The government is due to hold a meeting of its coronavirus task force on Monday and decide to extend the state of emergency for about one month. The measure is set to expire on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Abe Shinzo is scheduled to hold a news conference to explain the reasons for the extension.
The government believes that the healthcare system remains severely overstretched even though the number of new infections is declining.
The minister in charge of coronavirus response, Nishimura Yasutoshi, said on Saturday that he will unveil a basic idea on the resumption of economic activity. He made this known during online talks with the governors of Tokyo and Osaka.
Government officials recognize the economic toll of the stay-at-home request and other restrictions that are in place to contain the spread of infections.
They are considering a relaxation of some measures in areas with limited outbreaks, on condition that thorough precautions are taken to ward off the virus.
Officials are studying what kind of economic activity can resume. Restrictions are not likely to be loosened in Tokyo and 12 other prefectures that are on special coronavirus alert.
