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COVID-19 pandemic is not over any time soon. In addition to Indonesia which has extended the Enforcement of Restrictions on Community Activities (PPKM), a number of countries in Asia have also extended the emergency period for COVID-19.
Quoted from Nikkei Asia, the Japanese Government extended the emergency period for COVID-19 for the next month or until March 7, 2021. The extension will take effect in 10 prefectures, including Tokyo.
According to Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, prefectures that will be implemented in an emergency period include Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Osaka, Hyogo, Kyoto, Aichi, Gifu, Fukuoka, and Tochigi.
“Although the number of new infections in Japan is on a downward trend, the extension of the emergency period needs to be continued to reduce the number of patients hospitalized as well as the number of patients who are seriously ill,” Suga said.
Suga explained Japan would implement comprehensive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, the life and livelihoods of the community remain the top priority. For that, the restaurants will remain open but with limited opening hours, only until 08.00 at night. Serving alcohol in restaurants is only permitted from 11.00 noon to 07.00 pm.
Companies working with the government to follow this protocol will be compensated up to 60,000 yen per day. Not only restaurants, train operations will also be reduced by 70%. Attendance at major events is limited to 50% to a maximum of 5,000 people.
The community is asked to stay at home after 08.00 at night while implementing work from home (WFH). During this emergency period, the “Go To Travel” campaign initiated by the Japanese government to provide incentives to citizens who go on vacation will also be halted. Entry of foreigners who were previously permitted will also be suspended. [antaranews/photo special]
