Tokyo will lift its shorter hours policy for bars, and (soon) maximum attendance. (Image via Live Japan)

Virus alert lowered; Tokyo to lift shorter hours for bars

As the number of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases is decreasing, the Tokyo Government is going to lift its shorter hours policy for bars, according to a source on Wednesday. Previously, bars are required to close by 10 p.m in order to minimize the COVID-19 spread. As the plan will be finalized on Thursday, the lifting of the policy is expected to be done on Tuesday next week and the Tokyo government is going to lower its virus alert.

The plan initially was intended to be done at the end of August. However, as the number of infection kept growing, the Tokyo government decided to extend it

Certainly, the number of COVID-19 cases in Tokyo has been alleviating. From 300 - 500 in early August, on Wednesday, Tokyo only reported less than 150. Previously lifting its virus alert to the highest of four levels in mid-July following a spike of COVID-19 infection in Tokyo, Japan also reports similar news, from 1,300 - 1,500 cases in early August, Japan only reported 500 fresh cases on Wednesday.

Moreover, the Japanese government will also increase the quota of the maximum attendance for concerts and major sports events from 5.000 to 20.000 or 50% of the stadium capacity, following the requests from pro baseball and soccer league. Economic Revitalization Minister in charge of coronavirus response, Yasutoshi Nishimura, promised that the government will bring the idea into their consideration during a panel meeting of medical experts on Friday.

Source: https://bit.ly/2Zqgd7j