（社説）ＧｏＴｏ停止　政策を転換する時だ

GoTo Suspension, it's time to change policy

Some medical sites are already on the verge of collapse. The responsibility of the Suga administration, which has continued its business, ignoring the voices of experts calling for the cancellation, is extremely heavy.

The government has decided to suspend the tourism support measure "Go-To Travel" nationwide from 28th to January 11th next year.

The period that the government has positioned as "three weeks of competition" is about to end, but there has been no significant change in the flow of people passing through the city, and the spread of infection has not stopped. Even if the government appeals for a crisis while encouraging travel with subsidies, it is natural that it will not affect the people.

Until now, the Suga administration has focused on maintaining economic activity rather than preventing the spread of infection. However, now that the third wave of epidemics has not subsided, policy priorities should be reviewed. In the long run, that may be a shortcut for full-scale economic recovery.

Of course, the spread of infection cannot be prevented only by stopping all "Go-To" at once. Awareness of current infection status, evaluation of past efforts, future outlook, and measures to be taken. Above all, the government is required to explain these things in an easy-to-understand manner and seek the cooperation of a wide range of people.

However, even after deciding to suspend all at once, Prime Minister Suga did not hold a press conference to explain the business review, but stopped at the official residence and said, "I thought that the year-end and New Year holidays should be intensively taken." It's just that.

Medical care becomes scarce during the year-end and New Year holidays when many hospitals and clinics are closed. Even if they are stopped all at once from the 28th, the effect of suppressing the increase in the number of infected people during this period is poor. The government must call for restraint of travel, including travel, as soon as possible and provide treatment for it.

What cannot be overlooked is the statement by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Kazuyoshi Akaba, saying that after January 12th, "If you think in common sense, areas, where the medical situation is not tight, will be restored."

Although the business is restricted for each region depending on the infection situation, it takes time to coordinate with the local government. Tourists are also forced to take a huge amount of time to deal with cancellations. It became clear in the six months that the muddy rope-type response continued, that "Go-To" is an inappropriate mechanism as a countermeasure against the unpredictable corona sickness.

The government originally decided to carry out this project "after the spread of infection had subsided." We need to go back to the original principles.

Many local governments such as Tokyo and Osaka continue to request restaurants to shorten their business hours, and businesses will be paid a cooperation fee. Support for the travel industry in a difficult situation should also be considered as a direct subsidy.

Source: https://www.asahi.com/articles/DA3S14732360.html?iref=comtop_Opinion_03