3rd COVID-19 state of emergency begins in Tokyo, Osaka, Hyogo

Rewind, repeat! The cycle continues.

For many, apathy has replaced any reasonable concern. All due to the central government’s consistently demonstrated complacency over the last year.

Good thing Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba are all open for business. Enough of this nonsense.

No noticeable change in my neighborhood in East Osaka too. Both Pachinko Parlors and Karaoke open. Big group of local university lads enjoying a touch rugby contest in a local park.

Plenty of Japanese men aimlessly wandering the streets and supermarkets unmasked.

The WORLD is closely monitoring Japan and their actions.

There is a lot of confusion about who is supposed to close and who can remain open with this SOE. What about gyms and sports clubs?

I also just saw two yakatabune sailing up the river, full of customers. I bet they are serving alcohol. But the poor bars and restaurants have to take a hit again.

How about coffee shops like Starbucks, etc and fast food places? At Tokyo Midtown this morning, I saw an Italian coffee shop closed, but diagonally opposite it, Dean & Deluca was open.

And why department stores? They are meticulous with their anti-virus measures. I've never felt unsafe in Ginza Mitsukoshi, for example.

There is no consistency.

Sure thing @PIA 5pm,

- “The WORLD is closely monitoring Japan and their actions.” -

That’s why we have to endure DAILY headlines like this: “Tokyo Olympic head says cancelation not being considered” - Apr. 24 

It shows an unyielding commitment to “priorities”.

a state of emergency for when then there is no emergency. makes sense.

It’s not for want of “leadership by example”, @tamanegi 4:38pm, is it?

- “Plenty of Japanese men wandering aimlessly...”

In regards to the pandemic:

- “the SOE largely relies on the cooperation of the public and businesses” -

Went to the gym today for a workout as usual. Then took my kid to the local park to find the kids play equipment taped off. Makes total sense

‘Asked & answered’ @smartacus 5pm:

- “What about gyms and sports clubs?”

@cracaphat 2:26pm

- “Are gyms closed?” and answered immediately by @oderator 2:31pm “From what we have learned, no.” -

and @Steve 6:24pm.

- “Went to the gym today for a workout as usual.” -

I wonder if numbers of reported infections increased by a shocking amount sometime after Golden Week, let's say around the first week of June, I mean by a surprisingly shocking number, if the IOC might consider cancelling the Olympics (and let Tokyo off the hook)?

Good thing Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba are all open for business

My wife said she saw a Government announcement today in the TV, that Kanagawa and Chiba is included.

At least for the restaurants not serving alcohol.

I didnt watch TV today, so I can not confirm that.

A doctor said wearing masks is as much as protective as vaccines.

This is incredible.

I’m a musician and just played a gig to a sold out audience... the only difference was the gig was moved two hours earlier and they stopped serving alcohol... ?! Maybe I’m missing something but shouldn’t gigs and the like be cancelled?! Maybe something’s been lost in translation? Or maybe people just seem to forget that there’s a pandemic going on?! wtf Japan...

(I also love how I’m complaining about the fact the people came to my gig. #privilege)

Streets and stores were noticeably quieter here in Kobe today. I saw the virus sitting on a bench waiting for 8pm to start its infecting spree.

Seems to be motivated against alcohol and karaoke not the science

People must be responsible to save themselves.

Laws with teeth in Japan would help prevent these incidents:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41RJca6R-2g

Unfortunately, people, especially Japanese, can get away with anything. No laws, useless police, selfish people - what could possibly go wrong with yet another SOE?

I find it strange how a freer society like the UK can enforce a mask policy on public transport and deal with troublemakers with real penalties whereas in Japan you can spend up to 30 minutes arguing on the train with no mask on.

Bring Back Mr. Abe, he had it right.

More joking by the idiots who think getting a large amount of money for pretending to work for the people is something to be praised for.

They do No Thing that is of Any use to Any One.

the measures have more teeth than the previous declaration in January.

Lol, "more teeth"? You've got to be joking, right? Are these "teeth" made out of rubber because they sure don't bite hard.

Some people must be forced to be responsible to save themselves and others some people just don't get it and never will..Japan has plenty of them too

Northernlife, LOL. spot on.

What amplification level are they using for their PCR test?