The existing decree covers 19 prefectures, in addition to Tokyo and Osaka. Other measures are in place in 8 other prefectures. Suga says the number of coronavirus cases across the country is decreasing, less than the share of hospital beds for coronavirus patients are occupied, and the number of severe cases continues to decline from the peak reached in early September.
Suga says vaccines have proven to be effective: “The light is shining brighter and brighter every day. Regardless, we may see a return to general socio-economic activities. »
The national number of new cases in the week to Sunday is lower than part of last week.
The pressure on fitness care is also being relieved. In the 19 prefectures declared in emergency, hospital bed occupancy rates in general, as well as those of seriously ill patients, are below the criterion of the maximum level of severe alert.
Takeda Shinhiro, head of Japan’s ECMO network, an organization of doctors who specialize in treating critically ill patients, says that even if the prime minister has made the right decision, doctors are still under great pressure. He urges others not to let their guards down when restrictions are lifted.
The government has announced its goal to gradually lift anti-virus measures to increase cases. Restaurants and bars will be allowed to serve alcohol, but for about a month bars and restaurants will be asked to comply with Covid anti-infection measures. Non-certified sites will be required to close until 8 p. m. m.
Prefectural governors may implement additional measures depending on the local infection situation.
Public events will be allowed if the number of spectators is capped at 50 people or 10,000 people, whichever is less.
Government officials say they are strengthening the medical formula to prepare for any resurgence in infection numbers. In the event of a spike, the government could simply reintroduce certain restrictions.
The leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, Edano Yukio, is urging the government to offer money to municipalities to ensure that any spike in infections does not lead to the collapse of medical systems or the closure of restaurants.