Coronavirus: Japan announces new state of emergency in Tokyo and three other regions; Southeast Asia tightens Ramadan curbs
- The Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo prefectures will be subject to the new state of emergency, which will last from April 25 to May 11
- Meanwhile, Indonesia and Malaysia will limit travels to avert a surge in Covid-19 cases around the Ramadan holidays
Japan on Friday declared a third state of emergency for Tokyo and three western prefectures amid scepticism it will be enough to curb a rapid coronavirus resurgence ahead of the Olympics in July.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced the emergency for Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo from April 25 through May 11.
Japan’s third state of emergency was confirmed only a month after an earlier emergency ended in the Tokyo area. For days, experts and local leaders said ongoing semi-emergency measures have failed and tougher steps are urgently needed.
Past emergency measures, issued a year ago and then in January, were toothless and authorised only non-mandatory requests. The government in February toughened a law on antivirus measures to allow authorities to issue binding orders for non-essential businesses to shorten their hours or close, in exchange for compensation for those who comply and penalties for violators.
The measures this time are to include shutdown orders for bars, department stores, malls, theme parks, theatres and museums. Restaurants that do not serve alcohol and public transport services are asked to close early. Schools will stay open, but universities are asked to return to online classes.
Mask-wearing, staying home and other measures for the general public remain non-mandatory requests, and experts worry if they will be followed.
