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Abe asks citizens to be more diligent on social distancing

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Asking again? The result. All the people in that photo, without a care in the world.

15 ( +26 / -11 )

This article's photo pretty much sums up Japan's thinking when it comes to Covid-19. That being said, when you keep asking people to do something and they don't listen, do you think repeated asking will effect change in their behavior?

21 ( +27 / -6 )

The picture does not represent the reality (oh, maybe in Kanagawa).

In coastal areas of eastern and southern Chiba, beaches were nearly empty with no surfers, though it is generally full. Beaches parking lots were closed. I did my usual cycling ride in Awa Kamogawa, were generally there are over a hundred surfers on Sunday morning. Only 2 this time. Roads were pretty quiet.

“Please avoid making out-of-town trips,” Abe said Tuesday.

“I seek further cooperation from all of you,” he added.

Abe noted that many people in urban areas made trips out of town last weekend, posing risks of spreading the virus and putting elderly people in jeopardy.

Nothing mandatory, so Shoganai.

In Japanese culture, nothing mandatory but they expect people to follow. It does not always work.

My experience is that most people do not get out of town, and the medias do not always portray the reality...

9 ( +18 / -9 )

Wow! That's a lot of surfers!

Obviously not a lot of renowned Japanese "peer pressure" and "traditional respect for authority" in Fujisawa!

Anyway, were all good in two weeks when the state of emergency is over.

2 ( +9 / -7 )

Asking people to stay home,

but right now, local politicians are screaming from their truck. Election on the agenda next Sunday

9 ( +11 / -2 )

no matter how disciplined people are or how strict the laws get, it's really hard to practice social distancing in places where you're forced to be cramped with other people unless rules with teeth are enforced. Peer pressure and pleading ain't gonna cut it this time

7 ( +11 / -4 )

The message is not reaching people because of the limited restricted testing. It produces a picture that the situation is all good in Japan. Tokyo can never go much over 200 cases a day due to the obvious limit on tests so compared to other places in the world Japan looks like it is smooth sailing and missed out. Many posters in the comments on this site are keen to remind us of this at every occasion how lucky Japan is and it has no problem quoting the proof of the low numbers. Therefore why would anyone who believes the official numbers a take any notice of his request.. It contradicts his own propaganda that he created first for the Olympics and still perpetuates.

I start to think nothing will change the Japanese behaviour. Even if the hospitals fill up and the deaths mount, it still won't make any difference because there still won't be more testing so it will never be from the virus, the official numbers will remain low and nothing will change. Japan can never have a problem.

11 ( +15 / -4 )

If that picture was Sunday, I am in there too. Virus do not like salt water and everybody respects the space between people. Trains were super uncrowded although the beaches had a lot of strollers and cars were jammed going over the bridge to Enoshima island.

-9 ( +14 / -23 )

It seems there are always morons everywhere. They would know "I should've stayed home" at the moment when they die on hospital bed.

-6 ( +11 / -17 )

Its really amazing the level of sheer ignorance and defiance with amount of movement in the country,

I can only speak on my area. which is what I am going to do.

I look out the big old glass windows at the main road here in Tosu. I see no difference in Traffic patterns.

Matter of fact. I see even more traffic than usual. Now, we have 18 Covis-19 infected here in Saga and in neighboring Fukuoka we have 523 cases.

At my work place:

Big ole sign on the front door here. No mask. No entry. Folks just coming on in as business as usual here with no mask on. Its infuriating, frustrating, and down right careless and irresponsible. Instead on just focusing on targeting one specific race. And without mentioning the race of people. I'll just say, People of Japan, listen to the Prime Minister. Lives are at stake. I too feel out of place and slightly dis jolted and a bit off. I walk outside in sunny Tosu Saga Kyushu Japan. Warm air hitting my face. Blue skies and puffy clouds dancing across the sky. The sweet fresh smell of blooming trees and flowers everywhere. Yes sir, its Spring here. Look up in the sky and think to myself. Not a thing wrong in the world. Everything is beautiful. Everything is as it should be. But that is a fantasy and a momentary lapse of sanity and reality. The fact is. Were going to be in serious trouble in the next six weeks in this country if we do not buckle down and get dead serious about social distancing.

Curbing this deadly disease for some. Each and everyone one of us has a contribution to make. Use a mask. Wash hands. Stay at home if you can. I know. Its Japan. Its all about 働き,はたらき! I am sorry to preach. But the Prime Minster is right. This has nothing to do with politics either. If you are isolating in your house. and you are feeling blue and slightly down. I found this article that some readers may find helpful.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anxiety-files/202003/staying-home-during-the-pandemic

Some food for thought. The Romans beat a horrendous plague. Killed millions.

Antonine Plague of 165 CE, a global pandemic with a mortality rate of between 2-3%, which began with flu-like symptoms until it escalated and became gruesome and painfully fatal. Millions were infected. Between 10 and 18 million people eventually died. It shouldn’t surprise us that an ancient pestilence—one that spanned the entire reign of Marcus Aurelius—feels so, well, modern. As Marcus would write in his diary at some point during this horrible plague, history has a way of repeating itself. “To bear in mind constantly that all of this has happened before,” he said in Meditations. “And will happen again—the same plot from beginning to end, the identical staging. Produce them in your mind, as you know them from experience or from history: the court of Hadrian, of Antoninus. The courts of Philip, Alexander, Croesus. All just the same. Only the people different.”

The Romans survived. They did by listening to their leaders.

2 ( +9 / -7 )

Abe's uselessness becomes more apparent every day. Maybe he can take solace in knowing that people won't remember his other failures and will only remember how useless he was during the Corona virus pandemic.

11 ( +14 / -3 )

Best to let mother nature do what she does best. The world will be a better place.

5 ( +10 / -5 )

I drove last sunday afternoon from yokosuka miura hanto to kamakura near enoshima in kanagawa. i drove along the coastal road. what a nice seashore and beach with a lot of people. some were surfing, some were doing BBqs lol... exactly same in this picture above. i actually though its taken from enoshima lol

4 ( +5 / -1 )

@Tom,

I surf as well. The surf condtions in the photo are flat. Top left you can see a group of Surfer's congregating and most likely complaining about how flat it is.(assumption) What I would be doing if I were in that group. Each person in that group is no way six feet apart. Every study shows this virus is spread by droplets from sneezing, talking coughing. Whats the one thing on the water we feel? Wind. The droplets vehicle to move and spread. Maybe the virus dies off in sea spray. Maybe the virus dies under the water. Maybe its safe. Maybe its not. Not a risk I am willing to take. I get it. I really do. Nothing more than what I would like to do is grab my boards leash up and go. If I am alone. If I can distance. Ill try. But Surfing for some in Japan is more social than anything else. Please take no offense. Maybe my logic is flawed. Its possible. Is it not?

7 ( +10 / -3 )

Can someone please clarify here that a lockdown by authority in Japan goes against the constitution? What is legal and illegal to do? Is it legal to arrest or fine someone for being outside during this pandemic like people have suggested about their country? I am only asking and need someone who knows to chime in.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Abe's uselessness becomes more apparent every day.

I am no fan of Abe or the LDP, but in this case I think Abe's hands are tied by the constitution.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

DaDude,

There is no penalty for being out in Japan during the State of Emergency.

The P.M. is just asking Japan and her citizens to practice social distancing and stay local and at home.

However, It would no surprise me if this is being discussed in government right now if the spread wont curb soon. It will start with curfews. I suspect. Once again these just purely assumptions.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I think the reality will hit home if the press interviewed people suffering from the coronoavirus. I mean, people who are in the critical care unit or those who were turned away but need to be in the hospital and on ventilator. There needs to be media coverage that speaks to them. Not just this okay, here are the numbers of people infected and here's the number of deaths.

It's not hitting home for the average Japanese that social distancing is necessary because, hey, no worries, got my mask and washing my hands like crazy. Or... I'm not gonna get it cuz well, I'm not gonna get it.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

“I seek further cooperation from all of you," Abe said.

Gosh you can feel the tremendous power of authority in this statement!

(Sarcasm)

2 ( +5 / -3 )

but surveys show people are moving around too much, especially at train stations and in downtown areas where restaurants and grocery stores are still operating.

the only real fact in this story is that grocery stores are pretty busy. that’s because they’re supposed to be open.

but show me one busy restaurant in Tokyo and I’ll pay you a million yen. Most places are only doing take out and the ones that are open are bare.

and train stations surveys have shown that they are 70% less crowded than normal, except at the morning rush hour, but even that is less crowded.

abe’s 80% reduction goal is a pipe dream, but the current situation isn’t as bad as this article portrays.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

 I think Abe's hands are tied by the constitution.

Which specific provision or article of the Constitution would that be? The government in the past has mandated residents' evacuations, like in Fukushima and other disasters, out of public health concerns. So why not invoke the same powers now?

The narrative, spread by Japanese politicians, corporations and media, that Constitution bars the government from taking tough action appears to be myth. It seems this is all about people in power not wanting to take responsibility.

-1 ( +7 / -8 )

I would say DenTok2009 has the best comment and an accurate finger on the pulse. Very well said and well written comment. Knowledge is power. Put shock media right up on TV in the prime time slots. It could not hurt. The networks did during the Tsunami in Tohoku Sendai region. Did the country not rally as one? Come together? I was moved and proud the way this country came together. That's the beautiful thing about Japan and her citizens. We see her citizens come together as one during great times of need and strife and disaster.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The picture does not represent the reality (oh, maybe in Kanagawa). In coastal areas of eastern and southern Chiba, beaches were nearly empty with no surfers,

The picture does represent the reality (oh, maybe not in Chiba). In coastal areas of Kanagawa, beaches were packed with many surfers.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

damn idiots.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

I’ll stay in only because he did ask!!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I bet if a shark came along, those surfers would get out of the water quickly.

This photo reminds me of Sydney’s Bondi beach a few weeks ago when people flocked there despite being asked not to do so. The government got so exasperated that the police cleared the beach and closed it. I believe all beaches are still closed.

Regardless of what you think of Abe, there isn’t much he can do. He’s asked and asked and still these idiots are surfing. What else can he do? Ask the police and SDF to get these people out of the water?

I suppose there is nothing in the constitution to prevent the government from closing the beaches. Certainly, if there were sharks, the beaches would be closed.

Anyway, what’s going to happen on May 6 when the state of emergency ends, if the number of infections is still rising? Extend it until June 6 and then July 6? Good luck trying to keep people away from beaches in summer.

Stop the world. I want to get off.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

We are asked not to jog (even alone) because we are breathing heavily and may infect someone we are passing BUT beer halls, pubs, bars, and hostess clubs where people don't wear masks, get drunk and have to yell in people's ear cause of the noise can stay open til 8pm. I guess this is mainly because taking walks and going for a jog doesn't put tax money into certain people's pockets.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

especially at train stations and in downtown areas where restaurants and grocery stores are still operating

so close the bloody restaurant, it’s nuts!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I’m curious about just how much education and encouragement the government are giving people on correct social distancing procedures. I know they are not giving out penalties or having the police enforce the regulations. Every photo I’ve seen on JT in the last few days has shown crowds of people moving around as normal except for a few more face masks.

I understand the Japanese constitution does not allow the government to close businesses or public space like beaches and parks. However, declaring a state of emergency gives each prefectural government the power to do whatever they see fit to control any given situation. It just seems like they have done nothing except given out urges and suggestions.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Almost as dumb as the thousands of Aussies who flocked to Bondi Beach at the height of the pandemic there and the Americans going for Spring Break leading to hundreds of thousands of infections. Not anywhere near that level of shocking stupidity and lack of critical thinking and common sense, but almost as dumb.

10 ( +13 / -3 )

The UK Gov keeps on "asking" us to stay indoors.

The Sun was out yesterday; the parks were awash with people drinking, sunbathing and talking shyte.

Nobody is being forced to stay indoors, under pain of death.

It's a suggestion that some will follow, many more will not.

I personally go out every day, and so what?

Gaijin should just stop moaning; your countries are no different.

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

Regardless of coronavirus, one thing will always remain true: Waves in Japan suck.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

@Slick D: No offense taken. Please notice that tht shot is taken with a long lens. It compresses the reality of what is there and if Fuji was in the shot it would be huge looking.

Wasn't bad at all for the place at all which is usually jammed. I prefer to body board and can't wait until the beach is cleared of surfers except for Kuges 8-5. Yeah the waves were small, but just to taste the water is heaven.

0 ( +6 / -6 )

@DenTok2009

I think the reality will hit home if the press interviewed people suffering from the coronavirus. I mean, people who are in the critical care unit or those who were turned away but need to be in the hospital and on ventilator. There needs to be media coverage that speaks to them. Not just this okay, here are the numbers of people infected and here's the number of deaths.

It's not hitting home for the average Japanese that social distancing is necessary because, hey, no worries, got my mask and washing my hands like crazy. Or... I'm not gonna get it cuz well, I'm not gonna get it.

I completely agree with this. I wish so much this would happen.

I reckon there are two problems though:

a) Even if people suspect they may have the virus, even if they have heavy symptoms, it's highly likely they won't know if they have covid-19 or not, as it's so incredibly difficult to get tested here.

b) People are afraid of being shunned and stigmatised here, if they openly declare they've got the virus. Therefore they won't talk to the media. People will rather hide it. I've read that some people even avoid going to clinics, because they don't want the corona stamp on them.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Nobody is listening to you Mr Abe!

my daughters boss said “it’s only a request. So until he says “close!” Then I’m staying open!”

while Abe is dithering around i and many people are at home with no work and no pay!!

But I will, sometime(?) have two masks!!

Get your finger out!!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Japan needs to get its act together before Golden Week. Imagine this scene, multiplied by dozens [hundreds?] of places all over the country, for several days in a row. I don't think the Japanese populace as a whole is anywhere near ready to stay indoors for the duration of Golden Week. Not looking good.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Sorry, Shinzo! Many of us don't have millions in the bank. We need to work to put food on the table and pay the bills.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Well from what I am hearing from foreigners keeping their distance from them has never been a problem for the Japanese. Ask anyone who rides a train. I always look for the gaijin, simply because one is guaranteed a seat to sit in. Even at Starbuchs, Tully's or anyplace the gaijin can be found. Thank you gaijin's they are like a lucky charm when it comes to finding a place to sit down.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

The number of cases in Japan has topped 11,000, while Tokyo is still reporting more than 100 cases daily.

It has not reported daily cases in 4 digits because the daily number of test has never reached six hundred.

the numbers are deceiving.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Asking again.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I am no fan of Abe or the LDP, but in this case I think Abe's hands are tied by the constitution.

That'll be the constitution he's spent the last few years opining about the need to change.

I find it incredibly strange that in the last few weeks he's never suggested trying to change the constitution in order to make a lockdown order akin to other countries around the world.

I understand it's not something that could just be done tomorrow - but he's never spoken about it. Never mentioned it in press conferences. I'm pretty sure the government could find some kind of work-around as a matter of urgency - such as a time limited emergency amendment etc.

Nobody is asking for the power to go to war - just the authority to order people to stay at home during a health pandemic that is risking the health of the whole nation.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

My daughter and I were standing in our front garden/parking space in front of our house over the weekend drawing with sidewalk chalk (the only place she can play outside, unfortunately) but then our next door neighbor came home, parked his car, leaned over the fence and high-fived my child.

He was coming home from work. At our local hospital.

I guess I'll have to lock my entire family up, can't even avoid social contact when isolating on our own property.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

@JeffLee

 I think Abe's hands are tied by the constitution.

Which specific provision or article of the Constitution would that be? The government in the past has mandated residents' evacuations, like in Fukushima and other disasters, out of public health concerns. So why not invoke the same powers now?

The narrative, spread by Japanese politicians, corporations and media, that Constitution bars the government from taking tough action appears to be myth. It seems this is all about people in power not wanting to take responsibility.

Constitutional rights, such as the “freedom to choose and change his residence and to choose his occupation to the extent that it does not interfere with the public welfare” (Article 22) and property rights (Article 29), are seen as conflicting with the special measures law/declaration of a state of emergency. I believe that there is nothing in the Japanese Constitution that gives the government the right to declare a state of emergency,

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Abe is supposed to be the country’s leader ! For ffs! Lead! Take the initiative! Do something instead of dithering! he is like the Yamamoto line.... going round and round and round in circles!!

LEAD!!

3 ( +5 / -2 )

That photograph is deceptive. The depth of field makes it look clustered when in fact there is plenty of room over a couple of hundred meters there. The point being though, that there is a pandemic, and these guys should keep it in the boardbag for a while. Do the right thing fellas. Pretty ordinary waves anyway.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

@Vinke

I agree with your points.

People need to be educated on how to analyze the news. They may think like you and I and everyone else here posting do; they or someone they know has the symptoms but they are unable to get tested so they either struggle through and recover.

There should be a spotlight on people who behave despicably towards those who have COVID-19. Help them open their eyes that their behavior is shameful. What do you want them to do? Commit suicide? We are a community. Shunning and stigmatizing those who have tested positive is not neighborly. COVID-19 doesn't choose who to infect. It could be you. It could be your spouse. It could be your child.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

If not it, part of problem maybe the shoganai thing they have here .. i feel many Japanese feel that away about life and death .. i am afraid voluntary lock-down is not gonna work.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

When the pols and bureaucrats practice it then I will to.

Either lead by example or bugger off.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

The Japanese constitution makes it impossible to force people indoors..... Japan in a nutshell right there. A piece of paper used to justify inaction.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I agree social distancing is key and seriously lacking but remember this is/will be used as a political tool for Abe to say I told you so and not be held accountable for dropping the ball and prioritizing the Olympics.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Oh yes, Abe. We will obey you sir. Yeah right! By the way, where’s my 2 per household masks, even though we’re a family of 5?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Here's an idea! Why don't lawmakers create a new set of laws so that the state of emergency can be enforced. Hell, while you're at it, why not have widespread testing and procure the supplies necessary to treat the hundreds of thousands of people who will inevitably come down with Covid-19 due to the terrible handling of the crisis so far!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I'm glad the lot of people who comment on these articles aren't in charge of things. Y'all act like you KNOW the best decision in a difficult situation.

Thing about decisions during a crisis is there are no good ones; that's what makes it a crisis.

Is Abe a good PM? No, I don't think so. Has he handled this well? Not particularly.

Still, we are all learning a lot about CV19 and several recent studies from the US and Europe using antibody tests show the mortality rate is likely 1 percent or lower, higher than influenza but not nearly as high as it has been assumed until now.

Ultimately, I'm glad Japan has mostly found a middle ground and not let people's FEARS create policy that restricts people from continuing to live their lives as best as we can.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Abe's taking the wrong approach.

https://www.zerohedge.com/health/sweden-vs-covid-19-why-herd-immunity-matters-why-lockdown-doesnt-really-work

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Doug MaduroToday  04:22 pm JST

This article's photo pretty much sums up Japan's thinking when it comes to Covid-19. That being said, when you keep asking people to do something and they don't listen, do you think repeated asking will effect change in their behavior?

So what do you suggest? Say nothing? Police enforcement? That's not even working in the U.S.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Why suddenly do all Japanese want to go outside? In general these people are cement cave dwellers.

Must be because Abe-kun is telling them not to that they suddenly decided to become nature loving? Shocking.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

If only there was some countries we could look at and say...'Hey they have made great steps in controlling the virus, and are acting in a unified and controlled manner. Let's use them as a model.'

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@Hervé L'Eisa the video is good ! Thanks ! Lock down the elderly and weak (traceable likely) and roll the dice with the young and healthy ! That is it isn't it ?

The lock-downs aren't the solution I thought they actually here to buy us time to find treatment or a vaccine.

OK S.Korea and China may not think this way, I am not sure.. but I hope they do realize the virus can come back there they same way it came in the first place.

Even todays WHO antibody report supports this logic, only 2% to 3% of the people have developed antibodies (do note these days no one knows if that automaticaly means immunity)

1 ( +1 / -0 )

OssanAmericaToday:  

So what do you suggest? Say nothing? Police enforcement? That's not even working in the U.S.

You want a suggestion? Ok. Here's an easy one. Stop asking people to stay home and start requiring it. Asking has done nothing. Places are still open, people still visit. Life as usual.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

kwattToday  04:42 pm JST

It seems there are always morons everywhere. They would know "I should've stayed home" at the moment when they die on hospital bed.

It’s fair to say that these surfers are more likely to be drowned to death than getting killed by the corona virus. In that sense, these guys are thinking logically.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

If you insist that even “healthy” people should stay home because they may be asymptomatic, you should practice what you preach by keep social distance even with your family members.

Down deep, We all believe that we are not infected as long as we feel healthy.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

The UK Gov keeps on "asking" us to stay indoors.

The Sun was out yesterday; the parks were awash with people drinking, sunbathing and talking shyte.

Nobody is being forced to stay indoors, under pain of death.

It's a suggestion that some will follow, many more will not.

I personally go out every day, and so what?

Gaijin should just stop moaning; your countries are no different.

You are talking about the UK. Different countries have different measures. Not all gaijin here come from the UK - a small minority do.

Not a useful comment.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Went to the onsen tonight in Saitama. Not very busy, but people behaving like normal, as they should. Surfing, sento, sports, exercise, fresh air, all good for the immune system. Keeping people inside their homes just contributes to alcoholism, over indulgence, and poor mental health. Japan has the right approach. A laissez-faire approach is perhaps the best way as you get some herd immunity overtime and you don't cripple the economy. I'm sure most covid-19 related deaths are from the very frail and elderly that wouldn't live much longer anyways.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

No connect to olymics though...

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Looking at that picture gave me the motivation to go surfing tomorrow!

Thanks JT

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Usual selfish surfers in Fujisawa. Beaches can actually be closed. Even during stormy weather these selfish surfers are always stretching emergency callout services. They can't even wait for a month?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Abe is betting on the warmer weather curbing this virus. Hopefully he's correct. RIP to the deceased.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Abe has proven that he is not a leader. A leader makes difficult decisions by ensuring there's a quarantine or emergency act put in place which forces everyone to stay home, and close non-essential businesses. Thanks to the lack of leadership in Japan, COVID-19 is going to take many lives with people crying over their loved ones asking "why did this happen?"

0 ( +0 / -0 )

For a realistic solution to this that won't involve tota al overwhelming of the health system and untold deaths all at once, look up " the Hammer and the Dance." The NTC Daily also had something on this.

Welcome to a future where we are going go have to learn to live with this virus and keep total social distancing. It will likely be a little social distancing followed by lockdown, followed by social distancing, and lockdown. Until we get a vaccine or immunity (even if for a while).

2 ( +2 / -0 )

@kumagaijin

I appreciate your candor, I am sure you will get a lot of downvotes but I agree staying inside isn't healthy for the mind or body.

That goes for healthy people as well as frail people too.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Many are making huge sacrifices while these selfish A holes Picture above type pretend nothing has happened.

We would all like to continue as if nothing has happened but some are responsible enough to actually stay home. But why in the hell would we while these people go about their life regardless of the consequences.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

If you want some of the worst advice out there, read kumagaijin's post. Unqualified and irresponsible. Sitting in the onsen.

Look at the only countries winning this battle - New Zealand, Taiwan, South Korea, Germany, Australia - what is their common denominator? Early tourism blockade, early lockdown, and mass testing.

In Japan we have absolutely no idea of the real impact due to no testing.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

@Bjorn.....Why?

Because we care about our friends and their family.

That's why we do what we can to help them. It has very little to do with 'us' as individuals. But yes, it's quite disappointing to see there are many who only care about themselves.

They always seem to make valid points about the benefits of outdoors and exercise, but without fail their comments derail and trail off into 'I'm alright and nobody else matters.'

I care about my friends, and somewhat surprisingly, so does the company I work for.

That's why I stay home.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Thankfully, my boss closed the office just when there were 100 cases in Tokyo. Very Responsive and responsible Japanese guy in his 70s. Such people are very rare here.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

People here, the locals are taking care, wearing masks, keeping their distance, mostly remaining at home, spaced on the train, if need be they must commute to work. Most restaurants are closed, if not, tables are at a distance. Coffee shops have moved to take out or simply closed. Moving through public spaces are mostly commuters, strung out and not crowding one another. Will it tamp down the spread of SarsCoV-2? Probably. But, what will be key is 'herd immunity' as there is no vaccine. How to achieve that; talk to an immunologist or virologist and scientists who are expert in such, not a politician or someone simply opining.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Abe wants people to be more diligent like his wife.She's been social distancing herself from him as much as possible lol,going all over the place and maskless to boot.

Are you trying to suggest that everyone should just ignore social distancing because Akie Abe has?

If that's not what you're suggesting, then what is the point of your post?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Abe is not Simon.

"Abe says..." is meaningless.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Here in Iwaki City, Fukushima many bars, restaurants, movie theaters closed. However, what's not closed and in full operation? Pachinko parlors. I have been hearing that when they close these down in one area, the addicts drive to other towns to get their pachinko fix.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

How do you Social Distance on a train? On a Bus?

Commuting is a big problem. One person can infect hundreds on a crowded train. I admit it is not practical to stop Urban/Subway travel. Replacing trains with buses could help to a degree but the end result would be the same. Please take care on your commute. Be aware, Be Kind, Be Informative.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@Bruce Chatwin

".....freedom to choose and change his residence and to choose his occupation to the extent that it does not interfere with the public welfare”  

Well, in this case, it DOES affect public welfare. How obvious is that?! And in Fukushima, with the mandated evacuations, those freedoms to "choose" residence were suspended for the sake of public welfare. What makes COVID-19 constitutionally different?

As for "property rights," all of the Western countries also respect those rights, yet have mandated lockdowns without any constitutional wrangling. This whole issue in Japan is an excuse for the people in power to abrogate their responsibility in this crisis.

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Afaik S. Korea didn’t do a total lockdown.

They mass tested people, and quarantined the infected.

That’s all they did.

The difference would be, they started the mass testing in very early stage, and enforced the infected to stay quarantined.

No lockdown needed if you can do testings early and enforce quarantine, but maybe it’s little too late for Japan.

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For a realistic solution to this that won't involve tota al overwhelming of the health system and untold deaths all at once, look up " the Hammer and the Dance." The NTC Daily also had something on this.

Welcome to a future where we are going go have to learn to live with this virus and keep total social distancing. It will likely be a little social distancing followed by lockdown, followed by social distancing, and lockdown. Until we get a vaccine or immunity (more on info)

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