tokyo 2020 olympics

How will the state of emergency affect Tokyo Olympics?

71 Comments
By MARI YAMAGUCHI

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.


71 Comments

Comments have been disabled You can no longer respond to this thread.

People will tire of seeing Suga's dead-eyes looking down at them from giant monitors

36 ( +38 / -2 )

Health Minister Norihisa Tamura has said that effectively preventing people from going out drinking amid festive mood of the Olympic will be a headache.

There is no festive mood, everyone just wants it to go away forever. Of course, Tamura is the Health Minister who wears his plastic face shield upside down and appears to be a provincial hairdresser who got lucky.

25 ( +27 / -2 )

A: The SOE will have “ 0 ” effect on the IOC & organizers of the Tokyo Olympics.

*- Q: “How will the state of emergency affect Tokyo Olympics?*

24 ( +27 / -3 )

amid festive mood of the Olympic 

What the hell is this idiot talking about.

Nobody is in any Olympic festiv mood!

16 ( +26 / -10 )

Nothing else has affected the Olympics, why would a state of emergency? Nothing says out of tough like an Olympics, nothing

13 ( +15 / -2 )

Bach has issued the orders down to his minion Suga and thus the Japanese citizens are inconvenienced and will suffer some financial consequences.

How dare the Japanese citizens defy their Lord Suga. How dare they want to go outside.

13 ( +16 / -3 )

Experts have warned that the delta variant, which is thought to be more contagious, is spreading fast in offices and classrooms

Add to that commuter trains that have returned to a good bit of pre-pandemic crowding. Where are the control measures and compensation to try to stem these infection vectors?

No, more 8pm restaurant and bar closures.

11 ( +13 / -2 )

How will the state of emergency affect Tokyo Olympics?

Apparently not much!

Even though there will be no spectators, even though they are calling for people to not go to crowded places.

The Tokyo expressway (Shuto) is still going ahead with the ¥1,000 surcharge per vehicle between 6:00 and 22:00 in order to alleviate "Olympics congestion".

So basically more people are going to take the trains than usual and more cars and trucks will be winding their way through smaller local roads.

Seems as usual the people of Japan are going to pay more and get nothing but more trouble in return.

(NB: this is even funnier when you read that the IOC had to give permission to do this. So it really does look like the IOC runs Tokyo)

10 ( +15 / -5 )

"The six-week emergency is Japan's fourth since the pandemic began and will last until Aug. 22. The main target of the new state of emergency is alcohol served at bars and restaurants as authorities want people to stay home and watch the games on TV and not gather in public."

"The new state of emergency requests that restaurants, bars, karaoke parlors and other entertainment outlets either close or not serve alcohol. It asks liquor stores to suspend business with restaurants and bars that defy the request, but liquor stores say that would hurt their business ties.

Schools will stay open during this emergency, while theme parks, museums, theaters and most stores and restaurants are requested to close at 8 p.m."

"Experts have warned that the delta variant, which is thought to be more contagious, is spreading fast in offices and classrooms and without tough measures the numbers could skyrocket by August."

So WTF is targetting alcohol going to do if we are still at f***ing school and work?! You absolute idiots!!

Stay home, watch on TV so that the IOC can get their TV advertising money but you plebs can't enjoy a beer.......this is an absolute joke. I for one will not be watching the Olympics, I WILL be going to bars and restaurants, I will be drinking alcohol and I will be gathering in parks and beaches with my friends. The IOC, the Tokyo gov and the J gov can bite me with all these BS rules.

10 ( +10 / -0 )

Think that having missed two years of holiday travel the SOE effects those that pay more than those who proffit.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

There is no State of Emergency.

As expected, after costing the company 2M yen for a deep clean after his stupid idea to bring everyone into the office on the same day broought COVID into the office, my idiot boss demands we come trooping into the office again from today.

And even though I left later than usual, hoping to miss the rush hour, my train was as packed as it's ever been.

The streets are full of shoppers, the restaurants are filling up nicely now with office workers starting their lunch break, and the train will be packed again on the way home.

What's the point?

9 ( +9 / -0 )

Young people are already gathering in streets and parks to drink after restaurants and bars close at 8 p.m.

I’m conflicted on this. On one hand it could lead to an increase in cases. On the other, it is nice to see that at least some people are, in their own way, telling the government where they can stick their state of emergency.

Now it just remains to persuade those young people to vote, which will likely be much harder than persuading them to drink.

8 ( +13 / -5 )

Today the UK reported 31,352 new cases, 26 deaths despite (or thanks to?) very high vax rate. The double size populous Japan reported 1,506 cases with 3 deaths. 

The UK does about 300,000 tests daily, Japan is averaging 60,000.

Tokyo on Sunday did just over 2,100 with 502 cases ( positivity/infection rate of 23%).

UK counts all those in hospital, all those, that died are tested.

Japan does not count people in non designated covid wards especially severe cases not in designated covid ICU,

So if Todai hospital has 50 covid ICU beds and they have 60 seriously ill covid patients only 50 are counted as severe cases the other 10 remain as just "hospitalised" until space opens in the designated covid ICU, and even then Tokyo unlike the rest of Japan only counts those on ventilator as severe contrary to national policy.

This way the number of severe cases can never officially exceed 50 in that hospital.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

I want a 2021 COVID Olympics tee-shirt.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

Dont read what you only want to read.

On the contrary, try to read what you yourself quoted instead of something nobody ever said, the message is clear so there is no excuse to interpret it in a completely different way.

No matter how much you want to imagine someone said it, the experts quote here never said the games were free of risk, just that there is an even greater risk from much less vaccinated and tested people going around in a festive mood because the government is hosting an international celebration event.

If you can't counter an argument and end up just repeating the same mistaken interpretation that goes completely against what you yourself quoted, that should put you to think it was not justified even the first time.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

People are wanting the Olympics end soon as possible.

6 ( +11 / -5 )

Schools will stay open during this emergency, while theme parks, museums, theaters and most stores and restaurants are requested to close at 8 p.m.

And that's a part of the problem right there. Arbitrary selection of what gets to stay open and what doesn't. Either close everything down properly or just don't bother cause you're not doing anything except exacerbating the negative effect on the economy.

Experts have warned that the delta variant, which is thought to be more contagious, is spreading fast in offices and classrooms and without tough measures the numbers could skyrocket by August.

Exactly! to have a proper response, they need to close the schools, get students studying at home, and get more people to work from home. Otherwise the SOE is useless

6 ( +7 / -1 )

"Tokyo residents are asked to avoid nonessential outings, work from home and stick to mask-wearing and other safety measures. Measures for the general public are non-mandatory."

Non mandatory. OK. Then let's have fun just like the IOC is!

6 ( +9 / -3 )

How will the state of emergency affect Tokyo Olympics?

wrong question.

How will the ignorant government and lack of vaccines affect the Tokyo Olympics?

is a better one

6 ( +9 / -3 )

*touch not tough!

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Means nothing to me anymore. Played by the rules long enough and respected them as well as possible. I will continue to wear my mask , wash my hands and try to about 'large' crowds. But that's it.

I know now a few restaurants and bars that ignore the 7PM 'curfew' and they will be getting plenty of business from me from now until the 22nd August. Especially after the (now withdrawn) comments about asking the banks to cut funding to those establishments who ignore the 'requests'

5 ( +14 / -9 )

@theResident

Means nothing to me anymore. Played by the rules long enough and respected them as well as possible. I will continue to wear my mask , wash my hands and try to about 'large' crowds. But that's it.

I know now a few restaurants and bars that ignore the 7PM 'curfew' and they will be getting plenty of business from me from now until the 22nd August. Especially after the (now withdrawn) comments about asking the banks to cut funding to those establishments who ignore the 'requests'\

I will not do the same as you but I fully understand your statement considering the government is stupid enough to similtaneously invite 70,000 to 80,000 people from overseas to Japan and hold the Olympics. I have never heard of a state of emergency where people are encourage to enter the SOE zone. It is ludicrous.

I believe you will also see more choices for eating and drinking venues because the sentiment of Japanese citizens is very strongly against the Olympics and see through this hypocrisy. The yakitoriya san master where I regularly go is active in the local "shotengai organization". He has indicated that all of the small shop owners are livid and they feel like the Japanese government thinks they are stupid. I hope you enjoy but can stay safe. (I do know people who have got this virus: one went into the ICU and one foreign resident with underlying conditions I actually know died).

As for the banks....of course that got thrown out....it would have been ruled unconstitutional and it probably would push some of the small business owners over the edge.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

It’s sickening that every day from months and months the main thing is about these bloody Olympics.

Nobody wants them besides the GOJ and the NOC.

5 ( +10 / -5 )

Today the UK reported 31,352 new cases, 26 deaths despite (or thanks to?) very high vax rate. The double size populous Japan reported 1,506 cases with 3 deaths.

You deliberately forgot to tell us or compare the number of tests the U.K and Japan. Anyway, number of tests has always been conveniently been left out of comparisons because it greatly helps the narrative that Japan had been spared or Japan is doing better than the usual suspects conveniently chosen for comparison. Feel sorry for the thousands who had covid and were refused testing and medical attention and are suffering from long term effects if this virus, I am sure they are too wallowing in the national pride that we are doing better than other countries. May be Bach will be giving out medals to countries that have done well against covid-19. Pride goes before a fall.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

@theResidemt

I think it was You that asked me what would mass testing do and I pointed it out but you just dismissed it all as not of any consequence.

I and others have explained how Japan "calculates" severe cases ( see my previous post).

So the actual number of severe cases is total unknown as long as the government refuses to count those not in officially recognised covid ICU wards.

Deaths are a factor but so is the much higher danger of long haul covid.

But then anyone that has died and not officially registered as a Covid case well no autopsies so not covid related death in Japan contrary to other countries where actual cause of death is required.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

What emergency?

5 ( +5 / -0 )

@carpslidy

Go to these 2 places, Tokyo government covid site.

https://stopcovid19.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en

https://stopcovid19.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/cards/number-of-tested

If you like you can manually calculate the total 7 day number of cases and tests.

Now on the first site Tokyo claims a 7 day average 6.8% positivity.

Try coming up with 6.8% the numbers don't add up.

Even if you go with their 7 day average positivity which they have at 756.7 cases and their 7 day average testing which they have at 7862.7, this still comes to 9.6% positivity.

I have asked here, sent the links to family members that are CPA/CA and it seems no one can figure out how 756.7 is 6.8% of 7862.7 and even higher if you ignore the 7 day average and actually use the total cases and tests from the past 7 days.

If you figure it out let us know.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Saying the risk is not high?

No, that is not what they are saying, putting more attention to the text would help with that.

Saying something else is even more dangerous in no way means the games represent no danger, If someone says you are at a greater risk from falling from a 5th floor than if you fall from a 4th floor, do you understand by that that anybody could fall from a 4th floor without problems?

The point is that any mega event would increase the risk because it is giving the wrong message to the people, most of which are unvaccinated and have no real testing efforts going on.

4 ( +10 / -6 )

The Tokyo expressway (Shuto) is still going ahead with the ¥1,000 surcharge per vehicle between 6:00 and 22:00 in order to alleviate "Olympics congestion".

Great. So now, people who live in the Greater Tokyo Area are going to have to pay MORE to escape the madness of the Olympics.

So basically more people are going to take the trains than usual and more cars and trucks will be winding their way through smaller local roads.

Yeah we might do that. Escape this area through the smaller local roads. Still probably cause congestion.

Seems as usual the people of Japan are going to pay more and get nothing but more trouble in return.

Absolutely. Thank you LDP

4 ( +6 / -2 )

How will the state of emergency affect Tokyo Olympics?

It already did. No fans allowed because of it. Everything else will go on as normal though. People will still go to school, pack into trains, and frequent their local bars that ignore the rules.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Are you saying they are hiding the bodies?

I gave simple facts, nothing more nothing less,

If no one is testing, if people are not officially counted because they are not in designated covid wards, so therefore not officially covid then how can any of the numbers be reliable.

It is like saying I only declare my businesses earnings that are directly paid into my bank account, cash payments I put in my pocket and don't tell the government.

Yes doing that would be illegal but it is exactly how the government is calculating covid hospitalisation, severe cases and deaths.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Experts say Japanese roaming around during their summer vacations and the Olympics could be a greater risk than athletes and other participants whose activity will be closely monitored.

damn those unruly Japanese! there must be a way we could just make them stay at the office or at home 24/7.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

What state "State of Emergency"?

I deliberately delayed my journey yesterday to avoid the crowds at Shinjuku station and passed through at 10:30. Place was as packed as any time I've seen it in the last 18 months.

We are kidding ourselves if we think stopping 5,000 standing outside in a stadium that holds 80,000 is the solution, while at the same time packing millions everyday into packed trains.

Politics is deciding, not science.

That is the problem with a weak government that caves to the demands of it's opposition and manipulated polls.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

elToday 09:46 am JST

Unfortunately there's been a growing trend of young people voting for the LDP,

Uh huh. I see this line goes around lots but no one ever backs it up. Kinda like Covid testing...huh.

And even if it is true, its time to talk. WHY? What's wrong with them?

Since we all agree by now, Looting does Pay. After all… DOh-limp-ICKs are just another example.

You must figure by now, some young people are taking notes (hey, those Looters dont seem to pay, ever)

It's prob just more PR. Little Looters with some pull or some insider /media access just pushing their family team is all this is.

so this wouldn't necessarily lead to the desired changes. The biggest problem here is lack of a creditable opposition, which was partly just bad luck

Oh I see. So you agree. These Looters ARE the problem.

I don't see what part is bad feng shui? Even if this was all a buncha dumb luck, it would be the COLDEST streak ever. 50 years counting of the dumbest luck ever. Dumb as… !

These Looters, can't even get their games right. I Don't see any opposition making any calls on SOE's or

forcing pandemic games or…etc etc etc

2 ( +2 / -0 )

That if there was some master conspiracy, the media would have reported it? 

I am not sure about that. In Japan they only really report what they are allowed. A master conspiracy by the government would never be exposed by them and more likely they ould be part of it,

Like in press conferences they only ask approved questions and never follow up on the answers even when they never got even remotely close to actually answering the question or are so stupid it is not even funny. ( At least in other countries when the politicians give the same non or stupid answers they often at least try to ask the question again and/or point out the question was not answered)

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I have one simple question, if there is a grand conspiracy to hide "real" numbers, why hasn't the government just reported single digits everday??

Probably because even the most naive wouldn't buy that.

But did you even look at the pages I posted?

https://stopcovid19.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/cards/number-of-tested

Take a look!

Have you ever seen such a perfect chart? Every week the near carbon copy up Monday then a slow reduction in testing everyday until 2,000 to 3,000 on Sunday then back up Monday, repeat again.

Honestly the chart is beautiful a perfect flow week after week.

Simple question, why is it that on Mondays when most private labs are open we get 9,000 tests but come Sunday on 2,000?

Are people not sick on weekends?

Or is it because the public testing refuses to test these people so they have no choice but to wait for Monday and pay to be tested privately?

Which one do you think is more likely?

Or do you have another explanation?

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Is there some kind of "conspiracy" going on???

2 ( +2 / -0 )

That if there was some master conspiracy, the media would have reported it?

Waoh, J-media that reminds me of the Victor record Company slogan "His Master's Voice"

The below statement was in the article

Japan has reported about 820,000 cases and 15,000 deaths.

Now replace Japan with Indonesia or some other developing country and

this is how the statement will be reported.

Indonesia has reported about 820,000 cases and 15,000 deaths but with tests being few

the real number is believed to be far higher.

The above is what we call biased reporting and you expect me to believe.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Experts say Japanese roaming around during their summer vacations and the Olympics could be a greater risk than athletes and other participants whose activity will be closely monitored.

Huh? "Roaming around"? Make it sound like people who take vacations are a bunch of kids!

And it's already been shown that there is no way the committee can closely monitor anything!

1 ( +3 / -2 )

What state "State of Emergency"?

I deliberately delayed my journey yesterday to avoid the crowds at Shinjuku station and passed through at 10:30. Place was as packed as any time I've seen it in the last 18 months.

We are kidding ourselves if we think stopping 5,000 standing outside in a stadium that holds 80,000 is the solution, while at the same time packing millions everyday into packed trains.

Politics is deciding, not science.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

While the Japanese govt has had its many COVID-19 failures, the bottom line is the overall selfish attitude of the public at large. If they personally don’t have the virus … no problem. But people just don’t care. The country needs a true and enforceable 6 week lockdown. So much time has been wasted. Other than truly essential trips, stay home . Close the bars… restaurants…. Public transportation anything. Schools need to cancel all events. The only mask that is safe in a closed room is a military grade gas mask. Ramp up testing … not just for precious Tokyo. Tokyo is a city not a country . Then mass inoculations around the entire country . No! I’m not a fear monger. Just speaking reality.

You are fear mongering....a 6 week lockdown?! All that will happen will be that in 6 weeks cases will go up and there will be calls for lockdown again....as has happened in almost every single country that has enacted lockdowns.....they simply yo-yo in and out, creating havoc and wrecking the economy. Lives of course are more important than money, but these enforced lockdowns simply don't have the quashing effect that people hope they will. Get the vaccine out, protect those at risk and allow those of us at lower risk to get on with our lives......it has been almost 2 years........how long do you want to yo-yo with this??

1 ( +4 / -3 )

That 3% doesn't make a significant difference eitherway?

I forgot.

So 6.8% and 9.6% infection rates are basically the same according to you.

Note UK less than 1%, Canada 1.6% even the USA 1.8%,

Japan 6.8% or 9.6% or even Sunday's 23% no big difference, right?

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Meanwhile, despite being aged 52 with hypertension and living in the heart of Tokyo I can't get a vaccine because Shinjuku has none left! Telephoned them today and that is what they stated. But, don't worry the super spreader Olympics shall go ahead regardless. Able to organise an Olympics but not to vaccinate the population. Utter incompetence and negligence. Thanks for nothing useless Japanese government.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@Paul14

I am not in Shinjuku ward but my ward is out also.

I took the list of vaccination locations and called everyone directly, to get my name on any list they may have in the event of a cancellation.

I got lucky and was called in for this Friday.

Yes I spent a lot of time calling, ( had. My wife and both my children also calling for me). But I got on a few list and it paid off.

Good luck.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

While the Japanese govt has had its many COVID-19 failures, the bottom line is the overall selfish attitude of the public at large. If they personally don’t have the virus … no problem. But people just don’t care. The country needs a true and enforceable 6 week lockdown. So much time has been wasted. Other than truly essential trips, stay home . Close the bars… restaurants…. Public transportation anything. Schools need to cancel all events. The only mask that is safe in a closed room is a military grade gas mask. Ramp up testing … not just for precious Tokyo. Tokyo is a city not a country . Then mass inoculations around the entire country . No! I’m not a fear monger. Just speaking reality.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

Lol, OF COURSE tens of millions of people moving around en mass using public transport will spread Corona during Obon.

Its better these days to just forecast the future yourself and take the right measures and precautions.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Now it just remains to persuade those young people to vote, which will likely be much harder than persuading them to drink.

Unfortunately there's been a growing trend of young people voting for the LDP, so this wouldn't necessarily lead to the desired changes. The biggest problem here is lack of a creditable opposition, which was partly just bad luck - the Dems were running the government when 3/11 happened. I personally don't think the LDP would have handled things any better, but the Dems have been tainted in the minds of the people and discredited as a government force. Sad but true. A friend once described Japanese elections as "re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic" and that's going to be more true than ever this fall.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Wow! That's a difficult question, but let me see.

The Olympics will go on (without any brains from the government & IOC).

More people (both athletes and Japan residence) will get COVID.

More taxpayer money to the games, especially Bach's salary.

Even less respect and loyalty for Suga and his party.

More people will get sick from the hot and humid climate.

More rain to come.

Possibly typhoons.

More stress all around.

Less hope & wish for future Olympics in Japan.

Let's see. That took less than 5 minutes.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

That if there was some master conspiracy, the media would have reported it?

Waoh, J-media that reminds me of the Victor record Company slogan "His Master's Voice"

The below statement was in the article

Japan has reported about 820,000 cases and 15,000 deaths.

Now replace Japan with Indonesia or some other developing country and

this is how the statement will be reported.

Indonesia has reported about 820,000 cases and 15,000 deaths but with tests being few

the real number is believed to be far higher.

The above is what we call biased reporting and you expect me to believe.

excellent post!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Why are we constantly comparing tests to other countries? I really don't get it.

Surely the only number that matters are those that are sadly dying followed by how many are in ICU.

Japan haven't changed their stance on testing since the Pandemic began. Doesn't matter if I agree with it or not.

If you have to do it - then please use a few more countries as a daily comparison NOT just the UK. The UK number includes thousands of voluntary reported lateral flow tests. Not just NHS PCR lab tests.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Follow up, have you considered the totals may be different because some people are tested multiple times? The averages are calculated differently? That 3% doesn't make a significant difference eitherway? That if there was some master conspiracy, the media would have reported it? That you alone the only one touting this, hardly adds weight to your argument

So now trying to find a special Japanese way of doing the percentages?

Why not ask if I also looked at it the only counted those born on even number days?

The Japanese media? Seriously?

How long have you been in Japan?

Western media has pointed out multiple times the discrepancies of the numbers, tests, cases and deaths, so have multiple experts including Japanese.

The reaction is always the same, the Japanese government says don't listen to those people, the Japanese media prints some pro Japan piece including so sideways suggestion the people or culture are special/different and the "Japan is perfect" crowd here will echo the same thing, calling anyone that dares point out these discrepancies conspiracy theorists.

The facts and number from the Tokyo government are before you, if you know how to use the links and a calculator you can see for yourself.

But please don't try making up "maybe this", maybe that".

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

I'm setting a reminder on my calendar for the 23rd so I know when the "festive mood" begins.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

@Derek Grebe - Totally agree. I just went to a well known building for lunch. During the previous SOE's, 80% of the restaurants were closed. Today - all open and a queue forming for where I ate as I left. Total nonsense.

@Antiquesaving: Whilst not doubting 'Long Covid' (actually called post Covid-19 Syndrome when extending past 12 weeks) , I dispute some of the % numbers you throw about as 'fact'.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

@Steven Mccarthy: That's right - After 16 months of these drawn out restrictions I don't care anymore. Under your plan for 6 weeks of lockdown , how would I get to work? I cannot WFH.

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

The Japanese need to adhere to the dictums of the politicians they voted for to lead them. Don't go outside at anytime (day or night) now that the SoE is in effect. And definitely do not venture out at any time during the Summer Olympics. Everyone there must do their part to protect all the athletes from getting the deadly Covid virus that is ravaging Tokyo. Everyone living in that city must quit being selfish so the rest of the planet can enjoy watching our world class athletes who are vying to be declared the best of the best. Remember, we are all in this together.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

@Antiquesaving

Ok?????

As, I asked before

So what's your solution???

Not, what's your latest conspiracy theroy

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

Better find some N95 mask to protect yourself as the Delta variant surges and the people multiply the next few weeks. N95 masks are better than any of the little surgical masks. I found it in the internet when we still had high cases. I am vaccinated and do not need this kind of mask.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Experts say Japanese roaming around during their summer vacations and the Olympics could be a greater risk than athletes and other participants whose activity will be closely monitored

So does that mean that these experts, which peoples here admire so much, do support a mega event with thousands of people coming into a state of emergency?

Saying the risk is not high?

What kind of idiotic experts are those?

Japanese roaming around during their summer vacations

Yes, because it is their well deserved right!

-5 ( +8 / -13 )

@Antiquesaving

Everyday you talk about long term corona, under reporting etc. etc.etc

It seems you have a lot of free time to think about it. So, please tell us your solution ?

Personally, my suggestions

wear a mask in enclosed spaces (whenever possible, eating and drinking is difficult if your wearing a mask) until you are fully vaccinated, but overwise go about daily life.

Accept the fact corona is here to stay and thus if you eat there is a risk you may catch the virus. If you don't want to take that risk don't eat out. But it is unfair to tell restaurant owners they are not allowed to work. No more early restaurant closures.

Unfortunately accept the Olympics is going to happen. So hope it doesn't lead to an increase in cases because then we might finally be able to visit or be visited by family overseas.

Hurry up with the vaccine, if there is a shortage throw money at buying more it will be far cheaper than anymore s.o.e's

If your making claims such as 25% long term covid, under reporting icu cases etc, have data to prove this otherwise you cant expect to be taken seriously.
-5 ( +3 / -8 )

But the situation has grown more serious in recent weeks, and Tokyo hit a two-month high of 950 new cases on Saturday. 

Better give comparative info to address "seriousness." Not merely Japan, other countries of high vaccination rate or successful model have also covid-resurgence.

Today the UK reported 31,352 new cases, 26 deaths despite (or thanks to?) very high vax rate. The double size populous Japan reported 1,506 cases with 3 deaths. The UK is about to lift all anti-virus measures while there was no mask, no s-distance, public drinking, partying gathering for EURO finals. I don't know which side is really more serious.

-6 ( +4 / -10 )

Abe abandoned his post to preserve his legacy. Mr. Suga is to be commended, he accepted a no-win term as prime minister to try and battle though this mess. Whatever you think about the Chinese Corona Viruses, I don't believe there is any good answer for the short term.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

AntiquesavingToday  08:59 am JST

Today the UK reported 31,352 new cases, 26 deaths despite (or thanks to?) very high vax rate. The double size populous Japan reported 1,506 cases with 3 deaths. 

The UK does about 300,000 tests daily, Japan is averaging 60,000.

Tokyo on Sunday did just over 2,100 with 502 cases ( positivity/infection rate of 23%).

UK counts all those in hospital, all those, that died are tested.

Japan does not count people in non designated covid wards especially severe cases not in designated covid ICU,

So if Todai hospital has 50 covid ICU beds and they have 60 seriously ill covid patients only 50 are counted as severe cases the other 10 remain as just "hospitalised" until space opens in the designated covid ICU, and even then Tokyo unlike the rest of Japan only counts those on ventilator as severe contrary to national policy.

This way the number of severe cases can never officially exceed 50 in that hospital.

Are you saying they are hiding the bodies?

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

@Antiquesaving

Follow up, have you considered the totals may be different because some people are tested multiple times? The averages are calculated differently? That 3% doesn't make a significant difference eitherway? That if there was some master conspiracy, the media would have reported it? That you alone the only one touting this, hardly adds weight to your argument

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

There is no point talking with you.

I have one simple question, if there is a grand conspiracy to hide "real" numbers, why hasn't the government just reported single digits everday??

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

@Virusrex

Dont read what you only want to read.

Read and try to understand;

One of your well admired experts is defending the Olympics.

-13 ( +5 / -18 )

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites