THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
March 31, 2021 at 18:00 JST
Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura in early March explains the importance of wearing masks when dining out. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura said 599 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in his prefecture on March 31, as the central government plans to apply pre-emergency measures to stem the sharp resurgence in new infections there.
The daily number for the prefecture approached the peak of 654 on Jan. 8 during the third wave of infections.
The Osaka prefectural government asked the central government for the stronger action against the spread of the novel coronavirus on March 31 after the prefecture’s task force officially decided to take the move.
After receiving the request, the central government will consult with experts about the pros and cons of applying the pre-emergency measures and then make its decision.
They would be the first such measures applied by the central government.
“Governors’ judgments will be respected and supported,” a senior official of the prime minister’s office said.
The pre-emergency measures, established based on the revised special measures law on dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, apply restrictions on certain businesses and areas in a prefecture.
They allow governors to request or order companies to shorten their business hours, and to impose an administrative fine of up to 200,000 yen ($1,800) on businesses that refuse such orders.
Osaka Prefecture is now asking eating and drinking establishments in Osaka city to close by 9 p.m. It will expand the request to cover all parts of the prefecture from April 1.
Yoshimura is considering seeking the pre-emergency measures for Osaka city and asking eating and drinking establishments in the city to close by 8 p.m.
The governor also plans to make masks mandatory at bars and restaurants.
Osaka Prefecture confirmed 432 new COVID-19 cases on March 30, exceeding the level in Tokyo and topping 400 for the first time since 421 new infections were reported on Jan. 24.
The central government is considering applying the measures for limited areas in Osaka Prefecture.
Osaka Mayor Ichiro Matsui said on March 30 that the pre-emergency measures should be applied in Osaka city as early as April 5.
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