What does a new state of emergency mean for Japan?
The state of emergency declared in Japan on Thursday to deal with a third wave of coronaviruses that will be a record will be much less stringent than the blockades seen elsewhere and will be softer even than the country’s first Covid emergency this spring. past. So how will it impact daily life?
Which areas are affected?
The one-month statement is not national. It affects four neighboring areas that account for much of the increase in Japan’s case load: Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama. The region, known as Tokyo’s largest, 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, though another region has said it could try to be included if cases continue to rise.
What does the measure allow?
A state of emergency allows the rulers of the affected regions to call for restrictions on movement and trade, but offers little way to enforce it.
Governors can ask people to stay inside and ask them to close companies that attract a large number of people, such as entertainment venues or department stores. But there are no punishments for those who challenge the application or any other enforcement mechanism.
The Japanese government wants to introduce legislation this month to allow fines to companies that challenge closure requests and provide incentives to those who comply.
What will change, then?
This time restaurants and bars will be asked to stop drinking alcohol at 7pm and close an hour later, except for takeaway and delivery.
Other companies (from gyms to theme parks) are also likely to be asked to shorten hours and work online will be encouraged with the aim of reducing passenger traffic by 70%. Residents will be asked to avoid non-essential outings, especially in the evening.
The strongest power granted to governors is the ability to order buildings or land for medical purposes, for example, forcing homeowners to cede property 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 that the spectator limit at major events will be revised up to 5,000 people or 50% capacity, whichever is lower.
The restrictions are looser than the last state of emergency in Japan, which saw many companies close and schools closed.
How will the public react?
Despite the lack of implementation, last year’s state of emergency was widely respected.
The Suga government has seen ratings drop for the management of the third wave of infections, with criticism of its decision to continue promoting a national travel campaign, even as cases escalate.
December polls on the prospect of a nationwide state of emergency showed a majority supporting that measure.
What does it mean for the Olympics?
The government of Japan and the organizers of Tokyo 2020 have remained firmly in the line that will open the games postponed by the virus this summer and Suga reiterated this week his determination to celebrate the event as “proof of the victory of the humanity on the virus “.
However, the majority of the public, even before the emergency, opposed the holding of the Games this year, favoring further postponement or direct cancellation.
The recent tightening of border restrictions could theoretically affect the visits of Olympic officials, but athletes will not start arriving for months.
However, some health officials have warned that the emergency should take about two months to affect infection rates, roughly on the March 25 start date of the Olympic torch relay.