TOKYO – The Japanese government on Monday began implementing pre-emergency measures in Osaka, Hyogo and Miyagi in response to the sharp resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the three prefectures.
The pre-emergency measures cover the cities of Osaka, Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture and Kobe, Nishinomiya, Amagasaki and Ashiya in Hyogo Prefecture.
Under the pre-emergency measures, which is effective until May 5, restaurants, bars and other establishments will be urged to shutter by 8 p.m. They will also be asked to install acrylic boards to prevent droplet transmission and refuse customers who don't wear masks. Noncompliant facilities could be slapped with a fine of up to 200,000 yen, while establishments that will comply with the requests will be paid between 40,000 yen and 200,000 yen per day based on their past sales.
This is the first time for Japan to impose COVID-19 pre-emergency measures under a revised law that was enacted in February.
Osaka reported 341 new COVID-19 cases on Monday. Hyogo Prefecture saw a daily record 87 cases, while Miyagi Prefecture logged 55 cases. - FJJ
