Tokyo will be included in the "Go-To" travel campaign to boost consumption and travel. (Image via Japan Guide)

Koike lowers Tokyo's virus alert; includes capital in 'Go-To' campaign

As the number of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases has been decreasing in recent days, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government decided to lower its virus alert level by one bar from the highest level. Moreover, next Tuesday, the capital will also lift its restriction for karaoke centers and bars closing at 10 p.m in Tokyo's 23 wards.

Initially, the shorter hour policy would end on 31 August.

The governess of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike, reminded that people should adhere to the COVID-19 protocols while expanding economic and social activities in Tokyo. Starting on 1 October, the policy will start including Tokyo in the "Go-To" travel campaign which began in July 2020. With the "Go-To" campaign, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will partly cover the domestic trip cost; hence, it aims to boost Tokyo's tourism industry and consumption hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemics. 

Previously, Tokyo had been excluded from the campaign by the shorter hour policy in order to contain the widespread. Most likely, the plan will be passed on Friday in the upcoming panel meeting. On 2 July, Tokyo raised its virus alert to its highest level with infection cases above 300 or 400. On 1 August, the infection case broke the record at 472 fresh cases. Fortunately, since mid-August, the number of infections dropped.

Source: https://bit.ly/3bQSqCj