Street corner economy Significantly worsened by the impact of the new virus Economic watcher survey March 9 at 16:36

Last month's economic watcher survey, asking workers how they felt the economy, showed that the spread of the new coronavirus drastically worsened the current economic index.

The Economy Watcher Survey is an index of over 2,000 workers, including retail store employees and taxi drivers, asking them about the real economy.

According to the Cabinet Office, the index showing the current economic situation last month was 27.4, down 14.5 points from the previous month.

This is the biggest decline since April 2014, when the consumption tax rate was raised to 8%.

The outlook for the economy is 24.6, down 17.2 points from the previous month, and the outlook for the economy is widespread.

A series of voices said that the spread of the new coronavirus infection has had a significant effect on business results, and that department stores in Okinawa have dropped not only foreign tourists but also local customers, which is a decline that has never been experienced A voice was heard.

In addition, some advertising agencies in Hokkaido have reported that the number of visitors has decreased, even if several events were ordered and canceled.

According to the Cabinet Office, "The real feeling of the economics of the street corner is rapidly becoming severe. The uncertainty about when the spread of infection will converge is further increasing concerns about the future."

Minister of Economic Revitalization Nishimura “Business conditions are rapidly becoming severe”

Minister Nishimura, Minister for Economic Revitalization, said in an intensive discussion of the House of Councilors Budget Committee, "The DI = index has declined significantly in both current and future judgments as the effects of the consumption tax hike have diminished. Industry, service, tourism, travel agencies, etc., and the business sentiment is rapidly becoming severe due to infectious diseases. Said.

Minister Nishimura said, "I would like to carefully determine how long this situation will last and how much it will have an impact, and take necessary and sufficient policies without hesitation."