What does a new state of emergency mean for Japan?
The state of emergency declared in Japan on Thursday to deal with a third record wave of coronavirus will be much less stringent than the blocks seen elsewhere, and milder than Covid’s first emergency in the country last spring. So, how will it affect daily life?
Which areas are affected?
The month-long declaration is not national. It affects four neighboring areas that account for much of the increase in the number of cases 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 Japanese GDP.
Other parts of the country have not been affected for the time being, although another region has said it could try to be included if cases continue to increase.
What does the measure allow?
A state of emergency empowers governors in affected regions to enforce restrictions on movement and trade, but offers little in the way of enforcement.
Governors can ask people to stay at home and call on companies that attract large numbers of people, such as entertainment venues or department stores, to close their doors. But there are no punishments for those who challenge the request, nor any other enforcement mechanisms.
The government of Japan is trying to introduce legislation this month to allow fines for companies that challenge closing requests and provide incentives for those who comply.
So, what will change?
This time, restaurants and bars will be asked to stop serving alcoholic drinks at 7 pm and close an hour later, except for delivery and delivery.
Other companies – from gyms to theme parks – are also expected to reduce working hours, and online work will be encouraged with the aim of reducing passenger traffic by 70%. Residents will be asked to avoid non-essential tours, especially at night.
The strongest power given to governors is the ability to command buildings or land for medical purposes, for example, by requiring landowners to hand over properties to build temporary medical facilities.
Local education councils may also close schools, but officials say there are no plans to do so yet. And reports suggest that the spectator limit at major events will be revised to 5,000 people or 50% of capacity, whichever is less.
The restrictions are more flexible than the last state of emergency in Japan, which has seen many companies close 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 saw approval ratings plummet over the treatment of the third wave of infections, with criticism of its decision to continue promoting a domestic travel campaign, despite the increase in the number of cases.
December surveys of the prospect of a state of emergency across the country showed that the majority supported the measure.
What does this mean for the Olympics?
The government of Japan and Tokyo 2020 organizers have steadfastly taken the line that the Games postponed by the virus will start this summer, and Suga reiterated this week his determination to hold the event as “proof of humanity’s victory over the virus” .
Even so, the majority of the public, even before the emergency, was opposed to the Games this year, favoring further postponements or total cancellation.
The recent tightening of border restrictions could theoretically affect visits by Olympic officials, but athletes should not start arriving for months.
However, some health officials warned that the emergency would need to last about two months to have an effect on infection rates – close to the new March 25 for the Olympic torch relay.