Tokyo’s Curfew Lifted for Bars

Next week, the Tokyo metropolitan government is expected to lift the curfew, which previously asked establishments that serve alcohol close by 10 pm. This will include karaoke bars and snack clubs. 

Recently, Tokyo has seen a downward trend in the number of new coronavirus cases, and the virus alert was even lowered to level three out of four this Thursday. Level four meant that “infections are spreading.” This Monday, the number of cases dropped down to 77, the lowest number seen since July and the first time to break under 100 in two weeks. 

Nevertheless, Tokyo remains the area with the highest concentration of cases by far in Japan, with 22,400 cases reported as of this Thursday. Governor Yuriko Koike has reminded citizens to remain vigilant of a possible resurgence of cases.

The central government is looking to include the Tokyo area into its domestic travel subsidiary. The capital city was initially not included to prevent a rapid spread of infections. Still, residents in the area may soon be able to enjoy discounted domestic travel rates from as early as October 1st.