Japan will not need to reimpose restrictions on food establishments and public events — even during a state of emergency — thanks to a so-called vaccine-test package, the central government’s coronavirus subcommittee announced in a set of proposals Tuesday morning.
If approved Friday, the package will clear a path to major changes in the way residents are able to dine out, watch sports games, attend large events in person and enjoy themselves in public places during large COVID-19 outbreaks. The system may not only prevent or minimize a sixth and subsequent waves, but could soften the economic impact of future outbreaks.
Amid concerns about infections in public places, the plan is a key part of the country’s campaign to begin reviving the economy — by bolstering food, travel, entertainment and other domestic industries — before a possible sixth wave of the pandemic strikes, maybe this winter.
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