On Monday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe lifted the state of emergency in Japan claiming victory for managing to keep total infections relatively low, at about 16,600 cases. Shinzo Abe while announcing the end of the state of emergency stated that now we have to change our way of thinking and have to construct a new normal for daily life.
Industry association have set around 100 guidelines to avoid the three C’s – closed spaces, crowded places and close-contact settings for different sectors. Gyms, theatres, karaoke booths and other entertainment venues are expected to follow the guidelines that will transform the way they used to operate. Fitness Industry Association of Japan has instructed its gym members to cover their face with masks and disinfect each machine after use. Intensive activities are still not allowed like swimming in a pool or taking a sauna.
In theatres, people are required to wear a mask all the time, even while performing exception for the shots including facial expressions. Television and other entertainment companies are instructed to avoid all close contact scenes between the actors.
Many companies instructed their staff to keep working from home, while railway operator Odakyu Electric Railway said it would release usage data to help passengers avoid crowded trains. With 30% of its workforce, electronic giants will be back to their office in June aiming for half of its work to be done at home.
Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said that the pandemic could change countries’ industrial structure and people’s behaviour. “It may be hard for things to return to the ways before the pandemic hit,” he told the parliament.
