時短を「命令」、過料も　政府が特措法の改正案を提示

The government, Special Measures Law for "ordering" fines

On the 18th, the government announced at a meeting of the Liberal Democratic Party a bill to amend the Act on Special Measures for Coronavirus Infectious Diseases, which is usually enacted early in the Diet. If the business operator does not respond to the order to close the business or shorten the business hours under the state of emergency, a fine of 500,000 yen or less will be set.

The Liberal Democratic Party approved the bill on the same day. The government plans to make a cabinet decision on the revised bill later this week.

The amendment to the Special Measures Law stipulates that the prefectural governor will be able to give a powerful "order" to restaurants, etc. regarding changes in business hours before the declaration is issued. The previous stage of this declaration was "preventive measures" in the government draft, but the official name was changed to "priority measures such as prevention of spread". If the business operator violates the order during this period, a fine of 300,000 yen or less will be applied. It also stipulates that on-site inspections and reports can be requested when issuing an order, and if this is refused, a fine of 200,000 yen or less will be set.

Regarding support for businesses, he said, "We shall effectively take necessary financial measures and other necessary measures." On the other hand, the infectious disease law amendment newly established penalties for infected persons who refused to be hospitalized, "imprisonment of up to 1 year or a fine of up to 1 million yen". Those who refused the epidemiological investigation of the public health center for no good reason were given a "fine of 500,000 yen or less".

Source: https://digital.asahi.com/articles/ASP1L3QK4P1LUTFK006.html?pn=4