Simply repeating the same measures as before will not help improve the situation. The government should implement measures that will ensure a reduction in the number of coronavirus cases, which have remained high.
Of the 31 prefectures in which quasi-emergency priority measures are being applied, the government has decided to extend the period through March 21 in 18 prefectures, including Tokyo, Aichi and Osaka. The government plans to end the measures in the remaining 13 prefectures on Sunday.
The number of coronavirus cases is not decreasing as expected. Many patients are being hospitalized, particularly elderly people, and the occupancy of hospital beds secured for COVID-19 patients is more than 50% in many regions. In Okinawa Prefecture, where the priority measures have ended, cases have been increasing again.
