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Ending coronavirus emergency raises hope, sparks some concern

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So, 2 weeks from now, lets see what the figures look like... assuming any testing is being carried out ?

Otherwise, we have to wait for the full hospitals again, and increase in reported daily deaths, for an idea upon whether or not the virus has passed us by.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I agree that it's time to re-open, and start life again, but cautiously.

noriahojanen

In Japan, 1,000-3,000 die of the flu (related) DESPITE vaccines or treatments (and among victims there are many young). 800+ corona deaths over 5 months without vaccinations, and potentially larger infected/unconfirmed population, can suggest the low fatality for covid19.

So, we'll just ignore the US/Brazil/European experience then? They are cautionary tales of "what could have been"...

I'd suggest that you need to look at the virus in it's entirety. Not just locally.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@Northernlife

Your comment prooves my words.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Heading out to dinner in a couple of hours to celebrate our re-found freedom. I have been missing yakiniku!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Monty, I agree with your post. But the funny thing is, I actually enjoy "working" from home and getting on an empty shinkansen; and I can afford it. But keeping things closed is just retar... not good, it is unwarranted.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I saw the man with a full mask but he is not protecting his eyes. The virus that floats can enter through the eyes. He should be wearing glasses

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

@raw bear

Are you suggesting we should "stay home" and keep schools closed until then?

You will never get an answer from those people. You know why? Because they dont have any.

The people who are screaming for continue lockdowns and stay home are either very rich and they can afford to stay home for a year, or they are youngsters who are supported by rich families.

They have zero idea about the reality in life. If they have it, they would never scream for a continue lockdown or stay home.

Me, I am an ordinary guy, like millions of other people in the world who has to bring food on the table.

There is nobody who put it on my table except ME!

Therefor I am very happy that Tokyo will be open the economy. Of course I have to go to work in packed trains, and I know I have the risk to get infected...but at the end of the day, I can assure that there is food on my table and a roof over my head!

And the food and the roof is also for my family. And in first case I am responsible for my family! Therefore I do the best prevention, I can personally do against the virus, but I will never ever see my family without food! That is much more dangerous than to take a risk to get infected with a virus, which shows in most cases zero or mild symtoms!

People who are still continue screaming for a further lockdown or stay home, have absolutely no idea about the REALITY in life.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

Basically, you are condemning people to die from a preventable disease so that others are not affected by rigidly sticking to the status quo, which for many is an engineered and designed poverty.

The status quo is a joke. The elites rule the world, the rest of us struggle our asses off and get screwed left and right. This pandemic has exposed that. We need to change the old normal and create a new one.

But, that said, the social structure of our entire planet - all supply lines, food, shelter, goods, everything, run on the status quo. We can't just drop it and switch to something else, without ridiculous amounts of death.

It was good we shut down while we did. We needed to figure out just how bad it was. If we had done nothing, the results would have been tremendously worse than they ended up being. But, as much as it sucks, we need to get back to society.

And then we need to work on a way where a tiny percentage of elites aren't making the rest of us slaves to their elite class.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

If you feel that the response to this pandemic which is backed by most medical practitioners, scientists, etc., has created economic hardships that are so serious that the economic impacts appear to be far more deadly than the disease itself, shouldn’t you change the economic system and manners in which business is conducted, not the response to the disease which has been effective in stemming the disease?

Basically, you are condemning people to die from a preventable disease so that others are not affected by rigidly sticking to the status quo, which for many is an engineered and designed poverty.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

I have first-hand information from doctors and nurses who are on the front-line of this epidemic, and they all had this to say about lifting the emergency declaration, "There's nothing out there, that's worth the risk." They have seen death and 

Do you work for cnn by chance?

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

And it's not that nobody cares, but we can't just all run away and hide for years. The virus will not just pack its bags and go away; it will be here until many of us become immune to it.

I keep seeing this argument and it doesn't make sense to keep bringing it up. We have vaccines and treatments for the flu. If people are vulnerable to getting the flu they can get vaccinated and reduce their chances of getting it. And if you do get it, then there are SEVERAL treatments available.

Yeah, and it will take at least one year to get a "safe" vaccine, probably longer, and possibly never.

Are you suggesting we should "stay home" and keep schools closed until then?

All we should do is keep the numbers low enough to prevent the hospitals from being overwhelmed, going lower only delays the onset of herd immunity. Don't forget that this pandemic started with one infected person. I expect Covid19 to come back with a vengeance in the fall because so few of us got infected.

The best approach might have been to be extra careful about keeping the vulnerable people isolated and have the rest of go about as usual.

...and let's keep in mind that wrecking the economy will kill many people...

I hope it's starting to make sense for you...

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

His visit to the park was unannounced and there was no crowd waiting for him.

"unannounced", except to the press corps it seems....

1 ( +1 / -0 )

You really want to go outside and play, don't you? Emotion over reason, profit over logic, a dangerous cocktail during an outbreak. I wish the virus acted a little bit faster. If it did, the idiotic percent of this society would be gone in a week's time. You would not be here to encourage people to drink the Kool-Aid.

I'll tell you what though, I will let you go out there and play in Shibuya. I will let you get on the jam packed train. If I have to wake up at 5am and drive my wife and children to school and work, I will continue to do so. We're not going shopping though. I'm going to wait to see what happens to you. After all, it is your life.

I have first-hand information from doctors and nurses who are on the front-line of this epidemic, and they all had this to say about lifting the emergency declaration, "There's nothing out there, that's worth the risk." They have seen death and suffering, but TV, news networks, media, won't dare show you the truth. You don't want this virus.

3 ( +10 / -7 )

If there is ever a requirement to wear a mask again (covid-20?), I'm gonna wear a head-to-toe ninja uniform.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Pretty much, yes.

Why would I care about you 

Empathy is actually a good thing.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Why is that photo of a guy with that mask?

4 ( +5 / -1 )

I keep seeing this argument and it doesn't make sense to keep bringing it up. We have vaccines and treatments for the flu. If people are vulnerable to getting the flu they can get vaccinated and reduce their chances of getting it. And if you do get it, then there are SEVERAL treatments available.

In Japan, 1,000-3,000 die of the flu (related) DESPITE vaccines or treatments (and among victims there are many young). 800+ corona deaths over 5 months without vaccinations, and potentially larger infected/unconfirmed population, can suggest the low fatality for covid19.

-8 ( +3 / -11 )

Readers, the flu is not relevant to this discussion. Please stay on topic.

In my prefecture most businesses carried on as usual. Mainly most hotels closed and some izakaya 8pm closing was the only difference. No massive spike.

apart from people with ineffective paper masks and plastic sheets at checkouts, I wouldn’t believe there was such a thing as Covid19.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Covid-19 isn't invincible, as being proven by northeast Asians. As long as you don't lie about it, as long as you act properly, it can be beaten.

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

Look up how many have died every year for the past many years from the flu.

And it's not that nobody cares, but we can't just all run away and hide for years. The virus will not just pack its bags and go away; it will be here until many of us become immune to it.

I keep seeing this argument and it doesn't make sense to keep bringing it up. We have vaccines and treatments for the flu. If people are vulnerable to getting the flu they can get vaccinated and reduce their chances of getting it. And if you do get it, then there are SEVERAL treatments available.

We have NOTHING so far for Covid19, and that's whole reason behind the SOE and social distancing. If we had a treatment or vaccine, then fine...go to the fricken beach! At least we'd all be somewhat safe!

4 ( +13 / -9 )

Great job everyone. Japan was the second country to register COVID-19, one of the most populated countries with some of the highest population dense cities in the world. It retained some of the lowest deaths (irrespective of number tested) and is now opening up before a damaged economy turns to a broken economy.

Let's everybody keep simple precautions in place, as we have done before and during this virus.

Above all let's not fall into the fear trap like the US, Europe and others.

Prespective. Let's be the first country to bounce back!

-1 ( +7 / -8 )

Fighto!, said "Smart people and governments operate on the assumption that Communist China wont behave correctly - look at SARS and countless other examples - and are ready to protect their citizens."

Then let your smart govts protect you. It is their sovereign responsibility, isn't it ?

-8 ( +3 / -11 )

If China behaved correctly about the virus from the beginning, we never need to discuss about Lockdowns and Reopenings.

No intelligent person or government leader assumed Communist China would "behave correctly". Only dummies believed that.

Smart people and governments operate on the assumption that Communist China wont behave correctly - look at SARS and countless other examples - and are ready to protect their citizens. Governments like the USA and UK who sat on their hands are seeing the result sadly.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

Yeah, only 16,000+ people infected and 800+ dead in the last 5 and half months...who cares?

Look up how many have died every year for the past many years from the flu.

And it's not that nobody cares, but we can't just all run away and hide for years. The virus will not just pack its bags and go away; it will be here until many of us become immune to it.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Monty, if China didn't behave correctly, you won't be able to speak even wrongly by now.

-9 ( +4 / -13 )

All the discussions and decisions are made about Lockdowns and Reopenings. About loosing jobs, economy went down, people dont know how to survive...and of course people got sick and died.

We should not forget one thing: All these happened because of China!

If China behaved correctly about the virus from the beginning, we never need to discuss about Lockdowns and Reopenings.

6 ( +11 / -5 )

It’s a real mixed bag. I have low confidence in the PM on this from the start- clearly he was unable to understand the impact on small businesses and independent contractors. Additionally, the lack of testing strongly seemed like a way to obfuscate numbers to defend the appearance of safety in the face of the coming Olympics. However, the people of Tokyo have largely been careful. The toll of working from home and schools being shut while shops are closed is also extremely high on the morale of people, in many cases instigating depression and Domestic violence. The people who are worried about the virus, should stay home, but the seemingly low transmission rate also anecdotally indicates a populace that is taking the severity to heart. Science and statistic observation will help more than opinion in how to proceed intelligently- but being locked in homes for months on end in fear is absolutely not sustainable.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

Northeast Asia needs to build a common emergency supply center as soon as possible. The Northeast Asia is the hope for future economic growth, and shining example of cooperation during the pandemic.

-15 ( +0 / -15 )

Let's exercise restraint and use our intellect to open the economy in a sane and reasonable way!!!

15 ( +16 / -1 )

@Mirai - that is a really good article you posted. I did not see it before. It could be indicative that the virus was around earlier than we think (there are medical professionals that think so). It says the April numbers will be available on June 5th. It would be really interesting to see a follow up on this.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

I'm alive and so are all my friends, that's all I care about.

Pretty much, yes.

Why would I care about you or choose to listen to any more of your bleating?

-4 ( +6 / -10 )

BTW...someone posted this earlier, but I will post a very important point out of an article in the Asia Nikkei news:

> More COVID-19 fatalities may have been missed in April, with many of the dead never having been tested. Data on that month's deaths will not come out until late June.

source: https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Tokyo-s-excess-deaths-far-higher-than-COVID-19-count-data-shows?fbclid=IwAR2XQkhuzVdqt_rGv6laNmqxJHGhYGes9Y6FsJ-e6kSnGMQrfvoLhEXu-EQ

3 ( +13 / -10 )

Ending coronavirus emergency raises hope, sparks some concern

I think they have this the wrong way around.

Ending coronavirus emergency raises concern, sparks some hope

10 ( +16 / -6 )

What hope? Abe’s agenda is get the Olympics going. He doesn’t care for the citizens. Incompetent without a doubt.

13 ( +20 / -7 )

There’s no assurance that everything will be safe...a second wave is coming!!!

-5 ( +11 / -16 )

the infection rate is dismally low

Yeah, only 16,000+ people infected and 800+ dead in the last 5 and half months...who cares? Someone you know got infected or died? Aww...for shame ...sad day for you! The numbers are still dismally low! Doesn't affect me! I'm alive and so are all my friends, that's all I care about.

True colors

-8 ( +14 / -22 )

Tough decisions to make.

Those impacted most by the State of Emergency are the working poor and middle class. For those of us working we realize loss of business or income during this cannot go on forever. At some economic cost cross over the effects of the virus and become more serious. The impact on smaller businesses is even more severe.

On the other hand there still is a risk (the virus has not disappeared) and we also know for a fact Singapore had a pretty severe 2nd wave.

I fall into the middle of most the folks here - hope is raised as business can be carried out easier but we are still taking precautions to reduce the risk of catching the virus.

As stated before; I hope this follows SARS (started in Nov. 2002 and ended in July 2003)

11 ( +11 / -0 )

Really if you are scared to go out then just stay home as no one is forcing you to go out. This virus is here to stay and we just have to live with it like we do with the flu and a host of other health issues.

0 ( +14 / -14 )

There must be a lot of un-diagnosed cases in the community with such low testing numbers (under 300,000) for a population of 127 million. NZ who have all but kicked it have done 250,000 tests for a population of 5 million. Seems a lot of people may be asymptomatic and not even know they have been exposed. Hopefully there is not another significant outbreak if people take personal responsibility for personal hygiene (hand washing, sneezing, coughing)

16 ( +20 / -4 )

A man wearing a mask checks his mobile phone at a shopping district in Tokyo on Monday.

Yeah everything is a fun little cosplay party until someone gets seriously ill and dies.

-5 ( +15 / -20 )

A man wearing a mask checks his mobile phone

Jeepers creepers!

4 ( +9 / -5 )

I hope things get better. Not only for the obvious, but for the other reasons. Psychologically, lockdown plays with a persons mind. Stir crazy is a real phenomenon. We all need to know we are free to do what we want when we want. I for one am going to be cautious however. COVID 19 is in your face every single day. Invisible. A killer. We all need to keep in mind social distance practices. No kissing on the trains anymore. !

7 ( +13 / -6 )

Fine, if your concerned stay at home and continue your Netflix binge, leave the rest of us alone.

Nobody is forcing you to go outside.

Except that your reluctance to face facts and comprehend the severity of this issue is putting all of us at risk.

2 ( +28 / -26 )

Good all around, get the economy and people back on track.

-5 ( +22 / -27 )

I just hope that those companies that have their employees on a teleworking scheme keep their people working from home for as long as they can. I still believe that the threat of the virus is still there but Abe will probably just turn a blind eye to it for the economy.

20 ( +27 / -7 )

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