On Wednesday, the first day of the “Golden Week” holidays that run through May 5, Tokyo’s leafy Shiba Park was packed with families with small children, day camping in tents.
In this country driven by conformity and consensus, the pandemic is pitting those willing to follow the rules against a sizable minority who are resisting the calls to stay home.
“The message coming from the government is rather mild, apparently trying to convey the need to stay home while prioritizing the economy,” Sekiya said. Since people lack a shared sense of crisis, instead of staying home they’re hoping for the best and assuming they won’t get infected, he said. “It’s ridiculous,” said an 80-year-old man drinking Wednesday at a downtown bar. “What am I supposed to do at home? I’d only be watching TV.”
Abe declared the state of emergency on April 7, as virus cases surged. It initially covered only Tokyo and six other areas but later expanded to include the whole country. Survey data show the 80% social distancing target has roughly been met during weekends, with the numbers of nightlife goers and commuters noticeably lower. But parks and popular outdoor spots in Japan’s densely crowded cities are still bustling with people, said Hiroshi Nishiura, a Hokkaido University professor and expert of epidemiological analysis.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'People stayed at home': Pinoy teacher in Vietnam says quarantine helped contain coronavirus
Read more »
Dumanjug Police Chief warns public against petty crimes amid COVID-19 crisisCDNTopStories: The Dumanjug Police are urging the public to stay alert even if they are inside their homes after three men were caught stealing roosters from their neighbor on Monday night, April 27, 2020, in Barangay Paculob, Dumanjug, Cebu. Read more:
Read more »
Weeks after virus scare, British PM becomes father again
Read more »
British virus death toll now world's third-worst
Read more »
Murray warns tennis chiefs against quick return after virus
Read more »
TESDA offers free online courses during virus lockdown
Read more »