The ruling and opposition parties' amendment talks on amendments such as the Act on Special Measures Against Coronavirus have been raised from practitioners to executive levels, and the focus is on criminal punishment for infected people and introduction of fines for businesses on the 28th. It is expected that adjustments will be made toward the agreement inside.
The ruling and opposition parties' amendment talks on the amendments to the Special Measures Law and the Infectious Diseases Law were held for two days until the 27th by the chief directors such as the Cabinet Committee of the House of Representatives, and before the state of emergency was declared. They agreed that it is necessary to request the government to report to the Diet when implementing "Priority Measures for Prevention, etc." and to materialize financial support for businesses.
On the other hand, the treatment of penalties for infected persons and businesses, which is the focus, cannot be agreed upon, and it is expected that discussions will be held on the 28th, raising the level from practitioners to executive levels such as the chairman of the National Assembly Countermeasures Committee.
Of these, regarding the amendment to the Infectious Diseases Law, which imposes imprisonment of up to 1 year or a fine of up to 1 million yen on infected persons who refuse to be hospitalized, the opposition party is not a fine for criminal penalties but an administration. While demanding a fine for punishment, the ruling party is considering reducing the penalties, including reviewing criminal penalties.
In addition, the ruling party is considering reducing the amount of the amendment to the Special Measures Law, which imposes a fine of up to 500,000 yen on businesses that do not respond to orders to shorten business hours. It is expected that the ruling and opposition parties will make final adjustments aiming for a settlement by the end of the 28th.