Trains run as usual, some retailers shorten hours during state of emergency

These measures are way too weak and will only exacerbate thing. When will they learn??? Too little too late.

 When will they learn???

As long as those in power have control over data and information, as long as they have no substantial political opposition, as long as they have a large percent of the population unwilling to challenge their authority, as long as they have control over media, there's no reason for them to learn. And yet many want even greater authoritarianism. And want media stifled.

Sooo, NOT really different from last week. People were already asked to stay at home. Seems like this Declaration is more of a save face than a real measure to take down the virus infections.

This Social Distancing and Lockdowns will probably work. We should implement this every winter when infectious diseases peak to save lives.

No, because the coronavirus is unlike the infectious diseases we see every winter because we do not have a vaccine.

Why do you continue to downplay this situation?

Well at least the toilet paper situation has been addressed in full!

(My toilets a robot)

Barbershops, hair dressers, beauty salons and home centers are expected to remain open despite the state of emergency declaration as they are "necessary to maintain a stable life,

An absolute joke. We're declaring a state of emergency, but just about everything will remain open, you can still ride the trains as normal and the bars and restaurants will still be open, but we're asking you nicely not to go out. You can even go out and have close contact with your beautician while getting your eyebrows done.

Oh, and here's 300,000 yen per household, so you can not go out and spend it.

This Social Distancing and Lockdowns will probably work. We should implement this every winter when infectious diseases peak to save lives.

Sometimes sarcasm doesn't come across well on internet comments sections, but in this case, it is quite successful.

Chip Star, I’m not “downplaying” anything. I’m pointing out that a new method has been found to save lives and we need to save lives every winter from infectious diseases.

Given that you have downplayed this disease since it began, I will not take your suggestion that we do this every winter seriously.

This is not even lockdown ... these people never follow the rules and trains are even crowded now ... look at India to know the meaning of lock down ... if you go out without valid reason police will trash you and break your vehicles

Kobe White Bar OwnerToday 06:41 am JST These measures are way too weak

This is done intentionally, as was done in many EU nations (Germany, Holland, France etc) The Japanese government will step it up - step by step. The reason for it is a mixture of political, historical, cultural and social.

So within a max. of two weeks from now the measures will be (much) more stricter with probable also legal penalties if not followed.

Unfortunately I'm a corona lockdown veteran and 'enjoyed' it in three different EU nations now...stuck now in Netherlands with as here is called an 'intelligent' lockdown by our Abe version.

@michel

good point and thanks for your insight

So everything will basically still be open... social distancing will be recommended but not enforced... and there will be no repercussions for those disobeying these 'suggested' rules.

So what is different then? Why declare an emergency at all?

Let's be fair. Having the regular train schedule is definitely the best ideas, considering almost everyone is commuting to work today as usual.

Kobe White Bar Owner

These measures are way too weak and will only exacerbate thing. When will they learn??? Too little too late.

These measures are too weak because the constitution does not legally allow for stricter measures.

The government has already reached all the legal limits allowed. And it can't go any further. This is the reality.

I can only give a message of hope so that we can get out of these difficult times as soon as possible.

The number of infections in Tokyo is on course to reach 10,000 in two weeks and 80,000 in a month, up from over 1,100 cases confirmed so far.

So, basically a doubling of infections every 4-5 days.

But if people reduce contact with others by as much as 80 percent, the number of infections is projected to peak in two weeks and start decreasing, Abe said. 

Countries with far stricter measures can barely achieve an 80% reduction. With Japan's basically business as usual emergency measures, I wonder what reduction of social contact they are actually expecting? 20%? 30?

People still need money and the 300000 yen payment will bypass millions of people.

Starve or get the virus- I’d rather get the virus!

At least they aren’t changing the train schedules yet. Not smart to make 1 train for each 15 mins. that just means each train will have 5 times the people it would have had if train comes each 3 minutes. I have seen only a little difference in people on the train during actual commute time.

In Japanese mind, it is a big difference as it sends a strong message. As a result, many companies like mine did start teleworking. Less people commuting. In Tokyo some shops are asked to close, and if they do not, no legal punishment but their name might be openly published, and this might badly seen,

In another word, social pressure and respect of manners is the key at the moment. This does not work in western countries but we are in Japan.

Wait and see.

A full lockdown is useless and creates more problems.

What I find a complete joke was a week or so ago they said “Don’t have cherry blossom parties!” And yet every morning on the news they show how beautiful the blossoms are looking! Dumb as dirt. It’s like having drinks in front of a recovering alcoholic and with every sip saying how awesome it tastes!

FuzzyToday 07:39 am JST

So, basically a doubling of infections every 4-5 days.

Britisch research showed that every person who is infected - infects 3 - 5 other persons. By that alone it's not comparable with influenza

No, because the coronavirus is unlike the infectious diseases we see every winter because we do not have a vaccine.

Unfortunately despite the vaccine, flu still has killed more people. The difference is people fear the new and the unknown. If there's no pressure to Abe to do this he won't, especially since Japan is in a lot less worse condition than many countries.

I was shocked to see, on the news a few minutes ago, the live feed being taken from a helicopter that was over Tokyo Eki about five minutes ago.

There were few people on the platform, and less than a handful coming in and out of the station.

While there may be no way to legally enforce this emergency, the people are, at least from THAT point, seem to get the point! (fingers crossed)

On another note; and this one is far from complimentary;

Sadly there are idiots out there too! Yesterday, down here in Okinawa, there was a news report about direct flights from Haneda Airport to Ishigaki Island were booked full!

THey are pleading with people from Tokyo and Osaka to NOT come to Ishigaki during this emergency, but fail to accept that they may be carrying the virus there.

If, heaven forbid, Ishigaki or any other the outer islands here get cases of the virus, it will be virtually impossible to take care of many patients.

People seem to think that just getting out of Tokyo will keep them away from the virus!

THIS is one of the biggest examples of this "emergency" being a potentially life-threatening, FAILURE. THe inability to stop people from moving around within the country, and potentially making a serious situation catastrophic for some, is unforgivable!

Even here on the main island of Okinawa, we have had a relatively small, but major spike in positive tests, we had 3 cases at the end of February, and now we have, as of yesterday 34, not including those on the military bases here, of which there are 3, but since that was reported the US military stopped being specific to which bases had cases of the virus on them.

Folks we love the tourists money...but do us all a favor! Stay away until this crap burns itself out!

The users of public transport in Tokyo were down to only 10% of normal on Monday. I'd expect further reductions now - likely down to 6-7% of normal usage.

The great majority of people are avoiding public transport which is good. I believe all cafes, bars and restaurants SHOULD be prohibited to allow any customers to eat/drink in the premises. Take out/delivery only.

ianToday 08:08 am JST

Unfortunately despite the vaccine, flu still has killed more people.

Again, and still many people seem to not willing to understand it. Flu is not comparable with Covid-19 with the exception of some symptoms.

Corona is much more contagious

Corona causing also for people at middle ages a much higher health risk, especially those with overweight, smokers, heart decease, diabetes, cancer or other health issues.

Corona is much more infectious, causing pneumonia in much more cases than flu

Due to the above the whole healthcare system is getting into problems. All kinds of treatments are not able to be proceeded and all kinds of medical shortages will happen, including that of enough medical staff.

Trains running as usual, businesses will reduce their hours! That's it? The Japanese government doesn't get it! Shut down everything except essential services.

Again, and still many people seem to not willing to understand it. Flu is not comparable with Covid-19 with the exception of some symptoms.

Everything can be compared, that's how you get context. In this case they are being compared as to how deadly they are. If the flu is deadlier or even just equally deadly then Burning Bush is correct in saying that the same measures should be implemented.

If you do not understand it doesn't mean the others do also.

The users of public transport in Tokyo were down to only 10% of normal on Monday. I'd expect further reductions now - likely down to 6-7% of normal usage.

Im thinking the notion of too little too late is lost on so many.

@Michel Reiziger

Read my post again. I'm not comparing it to the flu. Never have and never will.

@Michel Reiziger

Perhaps English not your first language. The point of my post is that the infections are increasing exponentially and the current measures will not be enough to slow it.

It is very rare for seasonal flu to completely overwhelm hospitals and ICU beds in rich nations, necessitating new temporary hospitals being built, huge, sudden spikes in death etc. Deaths can be high, but are manageable for health systems. Many of the richest and most advanced nations simply cannot cope with Covid-19.

Talk of "locking down every winter" for flu is absolute rubbish. Posters comparing seasonal flu to Covid-19 have already been told to stop making these nonsense comparisons. They need to educate themselves.

If (and its a big "if) ridership declines but regular schedules are maintained, density per train car should be reduced considerably. Still, everything up to this point still feels like a halfway measures by the national government and prefectures. We'll see.

Of course the trains are a little less crowded now which is good. But I bet a month’s pay that the train companies, seeing ridership down, will suspend a bunch of trains thus making each train more fully packed again. I betcha!!!

If taking precautionary measures which we all know now, were adopted by 100% of the people all of the time then the virus would quickly fade away.

Also rail networks are a major contributor to infections.

Reducing rail travel has been a complete failure and has enabled the virus to spread in Tokyo and Osaka.

Other prefectures such as Shimane do not have a single case, I would propose due to lack of train services.

Lockdowns and excessive controls on movement are a waste of time without hygiene awareness and distancing.

Starve or get the virus- I’d rather get the virus!

Hmm, and risk giving your virus to others? If you are starving, you'd be safer employing the traditional solution: steal something to eat! Nowadays nobody is hanged for stealing a loaf of bread. Meanwhile, trains remain a necessary evil, mainlining, as they do, the virus in and out of high-density urban centers. To avoid drastic measures, I hope somebody can give you a loan.

Sounds more like a State of Mild Concern.

Just wait and see until 6 May. Govt already decided it. We will know the Japanese way is bad or good. If people worry a lot, better go back to your country. I will stay here, much safer.

@u_s__reamer

Thanks for your concern.

I do not want to sound arrogant but I was very well prepared for this virus.

Most of my family has a medical background and we usually have had a stock of masks and alcohol on hand and the basic knowledge to avoid and to prevent infections.I cannot remember when I last had a cold or flu.

However, nothing has prepared me for the economic malaise and the extreme speed of change in society.

It just seems like Abe is more concerned about keeping Japan Inc. afloat than actually stopping the spread of the virus. Japan has avoided the heavy tolls of other countries so far. However, that is not to say it is still yet to come and without aggressive measures to curb the spread I’m afraid to say, it is inevitable.

No noticeable change in Tokyo as of 9:30 this morning compared to yesterday. Traffic as usual on the roads... people going about doing their own thing. Salarymen in suits keep their heads down as they trudge to work. It's like the state of emergency was a mere formality that has been mostly ignored by the people. Asking people to cooperate won't work. Stricter measures are required, even if that means curtailing a few rights for a limited period of time. If people don't stay alive, their rights won't have much value in any case. Wake up Japan. Look around and see what's going on around the world. Thousands are dying.... all of that could happen here as well if people continue to be so stubborn. :(

@memoryfix

No one is naturally immune, but if you've already had the virus then you should be immune (at least for a period of time). The test you are referring to is an antibody test. This is the test that should be used widely as it will let us know who is safe. Safe because they are not in danger themselves and safe because they can't infect others. These people can be put back to work and could also be deployed to help out in hospital settings. Governments will soon realize this is there best way to get the economy ticking again and will start to do it.

. It's like the state of emergency was a mere formality

It was. It's the art of doing something while doing absolutely nothing at all.

This Social Distancing and Lockdowns will probably work. We should implement this every winter when infectious diseases peak to save lives.

Are you out of your mind? A population is safest when most people have been exposed to a pathogen and developed immunity.

However, nothing has prepared me for the economic malaise and the extreme speed of change in society.

The greatest danger is not the virus, but the impact on those, the vast majority and that’s a fact, who survive it.

A full lockdown is useless and creates more problems.

Indeed. Death is inevitable. Most of us try to delay it, but it’s still there. Live with it.

For me, the trains were less crowded than usual on Monday, down again yesterday, and really below average this morning. Seems like people are taking this seriously, at least in my ward. Today is the last day I'll be in at the office, too, I'll be working from home starting tomorrow. Hopefully the same is true of millions of fellow Tokyoites.

I heard there is a blood test that can determine if you have immunity. Also if you have ever had it.

No such tests exist.

@Sneezy

No such tests exist.

Actually, one has already been approved and more are in development. But still a fair way of being ready for widespread application.

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-antibody-testing-can-help-us-fight-covid-19

A fair way off. Also, referring to US, not Japan.

expat - Stop referring to it as a "state of emergency". It's nothing of the sort.

The state of emergency means something quite different in Japan. It basically just gives the government power to breach the constitution and do whatever they like, which, in this case means, extend the public debt even further with no solid plan of how to distribute it.

Bravo Tokyo and Japan!

That picture of the train speaks a thousand words, despite what the naysayers will say or put a spin about it. Compare that to what was seen in New York City's subway trains a few days ago.

Chip Star, I’m not “downplaying” anything. I’m pointing out that a new method has been found to save lives and we need to save lives every winter from infectious diseases.

Sure you are. You've been downplaying and spreading disinformation about this since day one. You were specifically told by the mods not to directly compare this to the flu anymore, so now you are trying to do so indirectly.

Just stop it with this nonsense.

No such tests exist.

You are utterly wrong. This test was demonstrated live on the BBC News last week. The journalist being tested turned out to have antibodies. He had had the virus without even realizing it.

Now, I’m from the US, though not in one of the states that’s in a lockdown. And this seems pretty mild if you ask me. Because practically all public places of entertainment have been shut down, and just today, all of the parks in my state practically have been closed down because people are having big social gatherings there. In fact, you’re not even technically allowed to have house parties either.

so just in case there’s anyone out there who would complain about these measures are being taken, just remember, it could be much more restrictive, as I’m experiencing right now.

Thank God most of these controlling commenters are outside of Japan telling Japan how and how not to run their countries, People in Lab Coats cannot close entire societies down on and on because there will be millions and perhaps Billions dying as the cure worse than the cause.

Now, I know that a lot of you are complaining that these measures being taken aren’t good enough. But let me ask you a sincere question. How come the infection rates in Japan are so low? Especially considering this?

And yes, I do believe that the numbers aren’t as high as the true infection rate, but let me ask you another sincere question. Do any of you have any idea what the real infection rates are? Or have any idea? Because if it’s still low compared to most countries, then that would be very interesting indeed.

I mean I don’t want this to spread either, but if it’s not in fact spreading wildly despite these mild measures, it does make you wonder.

Well, folks. Two thoughts.

On the one hand, TPTB tell us not to panic buy or hoard, and on the other hand, department stores are closing down and/or limiting hours. Two completely different things. People have to buy stuff, and not everyone is able to shop when TPTB make it available.

Second thought. I understand the feelings of trying to keep people from leaving Kanto, but I have two children who live there, and I would welcome them with open arms were they to come home. I love them, and if, goodness forbid, they brought Corona home with them, I would still welcome them. I would rather contract the disease from them than not be able to help them if they were sick and far away.

I took the train down to surf this morning but waves not good. Lots of kids at the beach...socializing. Walked to Fujisawa from there. Businesses all open. Took the express back to Chuorinkan and walked to Yamato station. All businesses open as usual.

What a great emergency response.

This is why flu spreads so quickly as well.

It's about time.Staysafe .Stayhome.

This is why flu spreads so quickly as well.

I think selfish idiots who defy instructions to stay inside so they can go surfing contribute to the spread a lot, as well.

You are utterly wrong. This test was demonstrated live on the BBC News last week. The journalist being tested turned out to have antibodies. He had had the virus without even realizing it.

I'm sure you can link to this broadcast.

Train may be empty in some cars, but the expressway is normal based on live cam video.

I took the train down to surf this morning but waves not good.

All it took was to understand two words 'Emergency Declaration'

Apparently that's too much effort for some.....

As predicted, lip-service lockdown. You know why we’re not allowed to go to concerts and parties and have been asked not to socialize in person? Because contact and proximity are direct factors in spread and this virus is INCREDIBLY contagious. Know why suddenly all those are encouraged for the sake of work? Money. The virus doesn’t know that, though, and is suspect in two weeks, when the death toll reaches the thousands and Japan is ranked near or at the top of the world, alongside the US, and our health system collapsing, we’ll be back to Abe thinking about doing something and writing vague announcements with no teeth, to protect business and not people. TIJ

The number of infections in Tokyo is on course to reach 10,000 in two weeks and 80,000 in a month, up from over 1,100 cases confirmed so far. 

Government is good at coming up with numbers that suit its narrative.

PCR testing has been paltry as a result nobody knows the number of infected and the extend of the spread. How did they come up with this projection without comprehensive data. Tokyo is averaging 90 new cases a day and it doesn't seem like the potential Abe says exist will ever be met, how are they ever going to discover the 80,000 infections if it does occur.

If only the media was reporting the number of test alongside the infections it would help to put pressure on the government to test more.

Such a Japanese response.. doing something with it actually being nothing.

I think that Japan is doing a good job with controlling the spread. Most people in Japan seem to be following the advice. In most other countries people are ignoring the lockdown and going out as usual. I have read that the parks in England had to be closed because a lot of people went to the park on the weekend. Also in France they had to ban outdoor exercise during the day for the same reason.

Parks aren’t closed in England, nor the rest of the U.K. Two in London were closed on Saturday due to too many people not following the rules, but they opened again the next day. Please fact check before posting false information.

So the fact is that parks were closed because people were ignoring the lockdown. Thanks for confirming my post.

@Tom

I took the train down to surf this morning but waves not good. Lots of kids at the beach...socializing. Walked to Fujisawa from there. Businesses all open. Took the express back to Chuorinkan and walked to Yamato station. All businesses open as usual.

What a great emergency response.

This is why flu spreads so quickly as well.

Unless you believe that surfing is an essential function, your action seems to be an even worse violation of the govt request than people going to work or kids playing. You have just proved that diseases spread more rapidly because of reckless human behaviour. You should be ashamed of yourself.

It looks like most people are following the state of emergency from today as possible as they can.

“It looks like most people are following the state of emergency from today as possible as they can.”

What? Where?

What? Where?

As far as I see, there are not many people in streets, in trains, in stores, anywhere but trains/buses are still running as usual, usually much more crowded than today. It looks like most people are following the emergency.

What I find a complete joke was a week or so ago they said “Don’t have cherry blossom parties!” And yet every morning on the news they show how beautiful the blossoms are looking! Dumb as dirt.

Yesterday morning, they were advertising an evening show that had celebs sitting round a table talking and drinking. Contrast this with studio-based presenters in hard hats and the ministers in overalls after an earthquake, even if the disaster is far away. TV are failing the nation on this.

As for the restrictions, they remind me of the famous Robin WIlliams skit about unarmed British policemen who threaten criminals with "Stop! Or I'll say stop again!" While there may be cases where more drastic measures (e.g., opening fire with a gun) is more appropriate, many times saying "stop" the second time will get the desired result. If the people fail, then yes, it will be time to step it up.

Kitchener LeslieToday 01:38 pm JST

“It looks like most people are following the state of emergency from today as possible as they can.”

What? Where?

Certainly not here:

https://mainichi.jp/graphs/20200408/hpj/00m/040/003000g/1

Or here:

https://twitter.com/monochromic/status/1247651267427495939/photo/1

Or here:

https://twitter.com/mrjeffu/status/1247667853609693184/photo/1

Sadly, a lot of people who want to telework can't.

@Alfie

Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku,, these stations are not everything in Tokyo. If you look at thousands of other stations are not much less than usual.

The "limited" emergency measures by Abe has been a wise move. Communication and Transportation are the two keys to keeping the population alive and organized as a society rather than a slave or dictatorial state. In the US, the first amendment illustrate the extreme importance of communication which is basically the flow of "information" which ultimately controls peoples' thoughts and actions.

But because humans are physical, the freedom of movement is important for people to "act" upon the kind of information available to him/her. In this day and age, transportation is the key, as timing is most important in this fast moving world. And by having public transportation running, there is a true flow of not only material and people resources but face to face information exchange.

And in case of emergencies... there are true options available for the entire population's needs.

My heart goes out to those that keep it running as much as to those that are helping those that need medical care.

@Alfie

correction:

Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku,, these stations are not everything in Tokyo. If you look at thousands of other stations there are much less people than usual.

Those are some pretty astonishing pictures. As I say, my ward (or at least those on my commute) seem to be able to stay at home more. Japanese businesses need to do more to allow their employees to work from home, as there is no way that all of those men and women in suits are in essential employment, like supermarket workers, healthcare workers, garbage collectors and pharmacists.

kwattToday 02:11 pm JST

@Alfie

correction:

Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku,, these stations are not everything in Tokyo. If you look at thousands of other stations there are much less people than usual.

It's Chuo-ku, Osaka and Shinagawa stations.

If you look at thousands of other stations there are much less people than usual.

How do you know, have you been there?

Why are people being forced to go to work during a frigging pandemic when Japanese companies are boasting about how much cash they've got? Why?

https://www.ft.com/content/247469ca-25b7-4bd8-8ac3-becf5530f15b?sharetype=blocked

@Alfie

No one is perfect in the first place. Some stations must be so crowded as usual. As far as I see some news, there are less people than usual in stores, in trains, in parks, etc. Japan doesn't have martial law or lockdown law about such crisis. Govt only request/ask all people to stay home as much as they can. It can't force people to stay home. Japan thinks liberty is the most important of all. If people want to work, then they go work. This is a liberty.

@Bungle

Arbeit macht frei is not proper word.

Most people want to keep working even under such circumstance. Why? If they stop working, no money. They can't support their families. That' why they go work for life. That is all about.

This photo reminds of the many foreigners I have seen on late night trains and no one wants to sit next to them. Sometimes even on a full train. I always look for the foreigner because it is a guaranteed empty spot.

Parks aren’t closed in England, nor the rest of the U.K. Two in London were closed on Saturday due to too many people not following the rules, but they opened again the next day. Please fact check before posting false information.

This is partially true. Most parks have not been closed, but some areas have closed parks. The Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham in London closed all of its parks, for instance.

https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/articles/news/2020/03/parks-and-playgrounds-hf-are-closed-due-coronavirus

Ah-so

That was over 2 weeks ago. They re-opened their parks 4 days later ...

https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/articles/news/2020/03/parks-re-open-today-after-new-emergency-rules-enforced

Considering that many people still cannot stop commuting into Tokyo, can you imagine what it would be like if they reduced the train services? Oh, wait, look at London.