Mixed messages from Japan and Tokyo gov'ts sow confusion amid coronavirus surge
(Mainichi Japan)
TOKYO -- Confusion among Tokyoites over what to do over the July 23-26 long weekend appears inevitable as the national and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government issued mixed messages on whether it's safe to go out as new coronavirus cases continue to surge in the Japanese capital.
In contrast to Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike's calls for residents to refrain from nonessential, nonurgent outings over the four-day period, the government's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga expressed the view that people can go out if they have taken full infection prevention measures in a July 22 press conference.
Responding to questions from reporters, Suga said, "As the government, we ask that people who feel unwell refrain from going outside. Even when going out, people should avoid potential dangers including the 'three Cs' (confined spaces, crowded places and close contact) and take thorough prevention measures."
When asked by a reporter if what he was saying was that the government "doesn't mind people going out so long as the prevention measures are taken," Suga responded, "We have received the understanding of all the experts on our (coronavirus advisory) committee."
Following the renewed spread of the novel coronavirus, and Suga's previous comments that it was a "Tokyo problem," the rift between the national and metropolitan government appears persistent.
At a July 21 press conference, Suga was asked about reports that the number of hotel rooms in the capital secured by the government for people with mild coronavirus infections had fallen from 2,865 at the end of June, to 371 in mid-July. He showed dissatisfaction with metro Tokyo by saying, "The national government is supporting the procurement (of hotel rooms) by providing the full amounts of money necessary. We are asking the metro government to hurry up its efforts to obtain a greater number of accommodations."
But following the news that Tokyo residents would be excluded from the government's "Go To Travel" policy to encourage tourism spending around the country, Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike said on July 20 she wanted to "see a plan soon" from the government on compensation for reservation cancellation fees Tokyoites would be forced to pay.
Gov. Koike met with Economic Revitalization Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura on July 21, and some level of cooperation was evident, but it appears impossible to keep the discord between the two levels of government under cover.
(Japanese original by Shinichi Akiyama, Political News Department)