[Update, February 2] In his press conference addressing the state of emergency extension, Prime Minister Suga said the same restrictions would be implemented moving forward, including shorter business hours for bars and restaurants. Residents of the 10 prefectures under the state of emergency are also asked to continue avoiding non-essential outings, especially after 8pm. However, Suga also pointed out that it would be possible for these restrictions to be eased or lifted before March 7, depending on hospital capacity and the number of active Covid-19 cases.
According to the Japan Times, the government is aiming to start vaccinating healthcare workers before March 7.
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[February 1] After deliberating with an advisory panel, the Japanese government has decided to extend its second state of emergency, which will now remain in effect until March 7. Last month, restrictions were placed in Tokyo and 10 other prefectures to combat the rising cases of Covid-19, and they were initially set to expire this Sunday, February 7. However, the authorities agree that it is still premature to ease restrictions considering the high number of active cases.
These prefectures were included under the state of emergency declared last month: Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama, Aichi, Gifu, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Fukuoka and Tochigi. All of them, except for Tochigi where new infections are dwindling, are now asked to observe the state of emergency for an additional month.
Prime Minister Suga will be holding a press conference later today to explain the reasons behind the extension. Meanwhile, Japan looks set to enact new laws that would fine Covid-19 patients who refuse to stay in hospital as well as businesses that defy the regulated opening hours.
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