Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a nationwide state of emergency, imposing more economy-stifling measures in a country that had mostly avoided them earlier.
The declaration amounted to an acknowledgment that his efforts to keep the country running normally had exposed it to a potential sharp rise in coronavirus infections—a potential lesson for the U.S. and European countries that are weighing when and how to resume everyday activities.
Mr. Abe said he planned legislation to give nearly $1,000 in cash to every person in Japan to counteract the blow from the tighter restrictions, reversing an earlier plan that would have limited payments to some struggling households.
For much of March, stores, restaurants and offices in Japan were largely open as usual, and a three-day weekend, March 20-22, in which many went out to view cherry blossoms appears to have contributed to a rise in infections.
The prime minister has said he hesitated to crack down on everyday business and leisure because of his fears about the economic toll. He switched course on April 7 by declaring a state of emergency in Tokyo and other big cities. Around 80% of the public thought the move came too late, according to a Kyodo News poll.
With the emergency now nationwide, the hit to the Japanese economy is likely to grow more severe. Although it is still a relatively loose step by global standards—businesses aren’t compelled to close, and people aren’t penalized for leaving their homes—many are voluntarily curtailing their activities.
The emergency will continue until at least May 6, covering the Golden Week holidays when many would normally travel on trains and planes around the country.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/japans...ate-of-emergency-11587027219?mod=hp_lead_pos3
