What does a new state of emergency mean for Japan?
The state of emergency declared in Japan on Thursday to address a record-breaking third wave of coronavirus will be much less severe than lockdowns elsewhere, and even softer than the country’s first Covid emergency last spring. So how will it affect everyday life?
Which areas are affected?
The declaration of a month is not national. It affects four adjacent areas responsible for much of the caseload rise in Japan: Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama. The region, known as Greater Tokyo, is home to more than 36 million people and accounts for a third of Japan’s GDP.
Other parts of the country are not affected for now, although another region has said it could be included if cases there continue to increase.
What does the measure allow?
A state of emergency allows governors in affected regions to impose restrictions on traffic and trade, but provides little enforcement.
Governors may request that people stay indoors and call for businesses that attract large numbers of people, such as entertainment venues or department stores, to close their doors. But there are no penalties for those who defy the request, nor any other enforcement mechanism.
The Japanese government is trying to pass legislation this month to allow fines for companies that defy closure requests, and provide incentives to those who comply.
So what’s going to change?
This time, restaurants and bars are asked to stop serving alcohol before 7pm and close an hour later, except for takeout and delivery.
Other companies – from gyms to theme parks – will likely be asked to cut hours as well, and online working will be encouraged with the aim of reducing commuting by 70%. Residents will be asked to avoid non-essential outings, especially in the evening.
The strongest power accorded to governors is the ability to conquer buildings or land for medical purposes, for example by requiring landowners to hand over properties to build temporary medical facilities.
Local education boards may also close schools, but officials say there are no plans to do so for now. And reports suggest the spectator limit at major events will be revised to 5,000 people or 50% capacity, whichever number is smaller.
The restrictions are more lax than the last state of emergency in Japan, when many businesses closed completely and schools closed.
How will the public react?
Despite the lack of enforcement, last year’s state of emergency was widely respected.
Suga’s government has seen approval rates drop on handling the third wave of infections, criticizing its decision to continue promoting a domestic travel campaign even as the number of cases increased.
December polls on the prospect of a nationwide emergency showed that a majority supported the move.
What does it mean for the Olympics?
The Japanese government and the Tokyo 2020 organizers have steadfastly held the line that the virus-delayed Games will open this summer, and Suga reiterated this week his determination to hold the event as “evidence of humanity’s victory over the virus. “.
Still, a majority of the public, even before the emergency, was against holding the Games this year and was in favor of further postponement or outright cancellation.
The recent tightening of boundary restrictions could theoretically affect visits by Olympic officials, but the athletes won’t start to arrive until the next few months.
However, some health officials have warned that the emergency would need to take about two months to affect infection rates – close to the new March 25 start date for the Olympic torch relay.