TOKYO – Japan’s Covid-19 state of emergency was fully lifted today, making it the first time since April that the entire country is not under the measure, reported the Kyodo news agency.
The order, which covered Tokyo and 18 other prefectures, as well as a quasi-emergency, ended following a steady decline in infections across the country and easing of the strain on the healthcare system.
Businesses, such as restaurants and theme parks, have prepared for the return of visitors as the government plans to relax restrictions in stages to revive social and economic activities while preventing a fresh virus wave.
All Nippon Airways Co received about 50,000 reservations – about 10 times more than the average a month ago – on Wednesday, a day after the government decided to end the emergency.
Tokyo Disney theme parks and Universal Studios Japan will increase the maximum number of daily visitors admitted from 5,000 to 10,000.
Under the emergency, people were urged to refrain from non-essential outings and avoid going to crowded places, while restaurants and bars were told to close by 8pm and barred from serving alcohol.
The government will continue for about a month to ask eateries to shut by 8pm, but those taking sufficient steps to curb the virus can operate until 9pm.
The metropolitan government here said establishments can serve alcohol if they get certification for their health measures.
The rule on attendance at large-scale gatherings, such as concerts and sports events, has been eased, with the maximum number of spectators allowed doubled to 10,000.
Infections nationwide have been falling since hitting a daily record of 25,867 on August 20. Yesterday, 1,576 cases were reported across the country. – Bernama, October 1, 2021
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