Coronavirus: Japanese youths don't follow instructions

Text by: Bruno Duval

In Japan, where no containment has yet been imposed on the population, around 80 people have been killed by the coronavirus and there are nearly 4,000 infections. It is very little for a country of 125 million inhabitants, but the authorities are worried: in recent days in Tokyo, the number of infections has quadrupled and, among these patients, we find more and more youth.

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From our correspondent in Tokyo,

Epidemic or not, many young Tokyoites continue to go out to bars, nightclubs or karaoke clubs. The authorities strongly advise against these poorly ventilated places, but the message is difficult to get across.

" This virus does not scare me too much," says a young man . In fact, it is said to be mild in 8 out of 10 cases. ”

" It's an old man's virus: I'm young and in great shape, " says another. " Anyway, if I catch it, I will expel it from my body dancing all night like crazy, " adds his neighbor.

" I know that this virus has killed many people abroad, I saw that on TV, comments a young girl. But ... it seems so far away. I really don't see myself being contaminated too. "

Even young people who are aware of the danger take the risk of attending these establishments.

" It's not reasonable, it's clear, we had better be at home ", concedes one of them, while another explains that " there is so much noise in these boxes at night that, to understand each other, you have to yell and talk to each other very close to each other. It increases the risks, that's for sure . "

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" Stay locked up every night at home, then I couldn't, " exclaims a young man. “ After my work day, I have to go drink beer until late at night. My life would be hell otherwise I would not be able to hold on , ”says his friend.

The elderly do not necessarily set an example for the young. Many of them, despite the epidemic , still spend their days in the crowded rooms of "pachinko", the Japanese slot machines.

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• Japan
• Coronavirus
• Health and Medicine
• Containment

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