Japan has finally decided to declare a state of emergency in Tokyo and six other prefectures. The decision comes in light of the coronavirus pandemic as the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Tokyo saw a sudden surge on Sunday. With Japan reporting 252 new cases on Monday, it marked the country’s largest single-day count of positive coronavirus reports.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared that he would propose a month-long state of emergency with the probability of an official announcement on Tuesday. The declaration will include Osaka, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Hyogo and Fukuoka prefectures besides Tokyo. However, Prime Minister Abe said in his statement that in Japan, cities would not undergo complete lockdown despite a state of emergency declaration as compared to other foreign countries due to the lack of legal power to enforce total closure.
The state of emergency would mainly request people to stay at home and maintain social distancing. Governors of the respective places would be empowered to close down schools and businesses but would not be able to pass legal orders for citizens to stay home. During the emergency, local officials can take measures to order the cancellation of public events, tourist destinations and movie theatres.
No penalty is allowed to be levied upon breaching of instructions but residents are expected to mostly remain confined indoors. Non-essential businesses might also co-operate by closing down shops and restaurants. Basic economic activities and public transportation are likely to continue. Although no legal actions would be undertaken, citizens have been urged to avoid non-essential trips or travel.
In addition, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a larger than expected stimulus package of 108 trillion yen ($988 billion) to provide support to business and households impacted by the pandemic. Local governments can also control the price of daily essentials, provide loans through the government’s financial institution as well as make compulsory purchases of food and medicines under the state of emergency.
Tags: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Japan, Shinzo Abe
