China News Service, May 8th. According to Japanese media reports, on the 7th, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga convened a headquarter meeting for the response to the new crown virus infection and decided to extend the emergency declarations in the four prefectures of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hyogo. It was originally scheduled to end on May 11 and extended to May 31.
In addition, starting on the 12th, Aichi and Fukuoka will be added to two prefectures, and the target will be expanded to six prefectures.
Yoshihide Suga apologized for the extension of the declaration, saying: "I am deeply sorry for continuing to burden everyone." On the other hand, he believes that the emergency declaration "achieves the expected goal of curbing the flow of people."
When asked about his views on the continued demands of some local governments to suspend business, he avoided mentioning them.
The Japanese government revised the basic response policy as a guideline for countermeasures.
In the areas subject to the declaration, the requirements for the closure of large-scale commercial facilities have been adjusted and the business hours have been shortened to 8 pm.
Large-scale events will allow 5000 people or the lesser of 50% capacity as the upper limit of the number of participants, and require the holding time to be until 9 pm.
However, according to the governor's judgment, it is also possible to request suspension of business, suspension of activities, restriction of facility use, etc.
The requirements for the closure of restaurants that provide alcoholic beverages continue, and shops that allow guests to bring their own alcoholic beverages will also be listed as targets.
In addition, it is required to strengthen port epidemic prevention measures against the mutated strains spreading in India and avoid group drinking on the streets or in parks.
The “key measures to prevent spread,” which was the first stage of the declaration, are currently being applied to 7 prefectures including Ehime and Okinawa.
Starting on the 9th, the three prefectures of Hokkaido, Gifu, and Mie will be added, and Miyagi will be cancelled on the 12th.
The emergency declaration was issued on April 25, and 4 prefectures made an extension request.