[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Saeng-hye] On the 3rd, 89 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Tokyo, the area with the highest number of infections in Japan. As a result, the cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Tokyo area rose to 773.
Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo, said at a press conference that day, "I have repeatedly said that (the Tokyo area) is at a critical stage of an infection explosion, and this phase has not changed but is becoming more serious."
Governor Koike also urged Tokyo residents to refrain from going out this weekend, emphasizing the need to avoid the so-called "Three Cs"?closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings?that increase the risk of infection.
Governor Koike further explained that under the Special Measures Law for COVID-19 response, if Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declares a state of emergency, the Tokyo metropolitan government can request residents to refrain from going out and demand suspension of use from facility operators and event organizers. He said that specific requests will be determined based on policies issued by the central government, but essential services such as the sale of food, pharmaceuticals, and other daily necessities, as well as banking and securities transactions necessary for social and economic life, will continue without interruption, provided that necessary hygiene management is maintained.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
