Japan Not To Re - Impose Restrictions Now, Despite Resurgence Of Coronavirus Cases
A Japanese government spokesperson says policymakers have no intention right now to re-impose restrictions on people's movements despite a recent resurgence in new coronavirus cases.
More than 45,000 new infections were reported nationwide on Wednesday, almost double the figure from a week before.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Seiji suggested that the government has been keeping in mind the prevention of an increase in the number of seriously ill patients. He said officials will steadily work to keep the country's public health and medical systems functional and strengthen them, and the government will continue to implement its vaccination program.
Kihara called on people to take basic preventive measures and stay on alert during a three-day holiday later this month and through the summer holidays when they will likely have more occasions to meet others.
He said that the government has not received requests from prefectural governments for quasi-emergency measures, and the government does not think they need to be applied immediately.
Kihara was asked if the government will begin implementing a nationwide travel support scheme to help revive the tourism industry in place of the current subsidy program.
Earlier, the government planned to expand coverage of the current subsidy program nationwide in early July if the coronavirus situation improves.
The current program covers travel within each prefecture and the surrounding areas.
Kihara responded that the government will decide on the issue within the first half of this month, taking into due consideration the number of new infections and hospital bed occupancy rates.
He added that a decision will also be made on the current travel subsidy program.