Photo/Illutration Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki holds a sign showing the dates during which Hokkaido will intensify efforts to contain the novel coronavirus at a news conference in Sapporo on Oct. 28. (Ichiro Matsuo)

SAPPORO--Hokkaido Prefecture upped its alert level for the novel coronavirus for the first time on Oct. 28 as new cases surged on Japan's northernmost main island, a popular tourist destination.

The alert level was raised one notch to 2 from the lowest 1 on the five-level scale Hokkaido introduced for vigilance against the virus in August.

The prefecture began reporting 40-60 daily new cases starting late this month, leaving hospitals with fewer beds than previously to care for patients, after remaining at level 1 for weeks.

Due to the increasing burdens on Hokkaido's health care system, prefectural officials decided that the situation warranted a level 2 alert.

The prefectural government has designated the coming two weeks through Nov. 10 as a period of intensive countermeasures for fighting the pandemic, and is urging residents not to go out if they feel unwell, to wear masks when they do go out and to work from home.

While stepping up warnings, prefectural officials are striving to keep the economy going as a growing number of tourists are descending on Hokkaido to cash in on travel discounts under the central government’s "Go To Travel" program that is aimed at helping the tourism industry weather the crisis.

“It is extremely important to contain the pandemic at this stage to keep both the economy and social activities going,” said Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki.

The central government is also closely monitoring the surges in Hokkaido.

Yasutoshi Nishimura, a minister in charge of economic revitalization, noted that Hokkaido faces the challenge of grappling with the pandemic at a time when indoor ventilation tends to become poor due to the severe cold weather there.

The central government is considering deployment of a team of experts to help the prefecture, he said.



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