Concerns growing as more people go out in Fukuoka

People in Fukuoka, western Japan, have expressed concerns about a possible surge of coronavirus infections in the prefecture after the state of emergency was lifted a week ago.

NHK has analyzed location information collected on mobile phones to detect changes in the movement of people around JR Hakata and Kokura Stations on the first Saturday after the state of emergency was lifted at the end of last month.

IT firm Agoop collated mobile phone data after obtaining users' consent. Privacy was protected.

The data show that the number of people out during daytime hours increased by 17 percent at Hakata Station, and by three percent at Kokura Station compared with a week before.

NHK asked people in the Tenjin entertainment district in Fukuoka City about the increase in outings.

An 86-year-old woman living near Tenjin said she has noticed a slight increase in the number of people, and cannot feel fully comfortable, even after the emergency was lifted. The woman said that she is still trying to maintain her distance from others while walking.

A 16-year-old high school student in Fukuoka City said she was happy with the lifting of restrictions, but is still concerned that the coronavirus may continue to spread.

She said she tries to wear a facemask at all times, and also carries a spare.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210308_06/