The Governor of Tokyo, Koike san, as announced an additional set of instructions for closure or restricted operations of businesses. Universities, cinemas, live music venues, night clubs, pachinko parlours and internet cafes will be asked to suspend operations. Schools, nursery schools and welfare services may be asked to suspend operations based on the circumstances. Medical institutions, financial services, supermarkets, convenience stores, DIY stores, barbershops, hair salons, hotels, public transport providers, etc. can continue operations as long as they ensure that adequate measures are taken against the virus. Governor Koike will address the media today at 18:45 JST (English version will be available at 19:15 JST).
The key question is whether this strategy will work and whether people will actually “cooperate” to the extent necessary. If that doesn’t happen, the very purpose of the emergency would be defeated. The situation is indeed very serious and the risks should not be underestimated.