As the heat swells in these late July days, the number of Covid-19 coronavirus cases has been steadily increasing, too. Tokyo reported 238 new infections today, putting the city’s total number of coronavirus cases at 10,054. Those travelling to and from Tokyo were excluded from the Go to Travel campaign – which provides discounts to domestic travellers – in an effort to reduce the risk of spreading the virus throughout Japan.
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike is also urging residents to stay home during this four-day weekend, running from July 23 to 26. The Japan Times reports Koike warning Tokyoites: ‘If you are going outside, take the utmost precautions to avoid infection.’ The long weekend was originally planned to include the Tokyo 2020 Olympics opening ceremony, which has been postponed to July 23 2021.
Even though case numbers are increasing and Koike is asking residents to stay indoors, a second state of emergency is not likely. In the same Japan Times report, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, ‘There’s no change to the direction to carefully reopen the economy.’ Adding that ‘at the same time we will take steps to prevent the spread of infection and keep serious cases low.’
Despite Abe’s statement, July has seen over 3,800 cases in Tokyo so far, which is higher than the peak in case numbers back in April, when the state of emergency began, according to The Japan Times.
If you have to go out for essential reasons, be sure to follow our guide on social distancing, wear a mask and avoid crowded, closed-off spaces.
At the time of writing, there are 10,054 confirmed cases in Tokyo according to The Japan Times.
Follow live updates on the coronavirus situation in Tokyo and Japan here.
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