狸の親子さんの おぼえた日記 - 2021年2月4日(木)

Japan passes revised anti-virus laws -NHK WORLD-JAPAN 10 hours ago

Japanese lawmakers have enacted legislation that will allow officials to punish coronavirus rule-breakers.

The new measures come as the country continues to battle a third wave of infections---and a high number of serious cases that's putting intense strain on hospitals.

Officials will soon be able to levy fines against people or businesses that break anti-virus rules.

That includes those who test positive for the virus and told to check into a hospital, but refuse.

Individuals who lie to health officials or refuse their inquiries will also face punishments.

Government efforts to stem the spread of the virus include shortening operating hours for bars and restaurants. Under the new rules, businesses that don't comply can be fined up to about 3,000 dollars.

Conversely, the legal changes make it mandatory for governments to take financial measures to help affected businesses.

The revised laws will take effect in ten days.

Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide said , " The revision will help make anti-virus measures more effective because we'll be able to support those who comply with the rules and impose penalties against those who don't . We'll use it to ffurther reduce infections, while giving due consideration to the rights of individuals and businesses."

Japan recently decided to its state of emergency for ten prefectures, including Tokyo, for one month...until March 7.

Meanwhile, the health ministry says it has discovered a glitch in its coronavirus contact-tracing app, COCOA.

It anonymously collects information on people who have come into close contact with users and then allows them to notify others of a positive coronavirus test.

But the app has not been collecting or sending out data for android users since September. Officials aim to fix the problem by mid-February.

New case numbers in Japan have been on the decline in recent weeks.

But authorities reported 120 deaths on Wednesday...breaking a record for the second day in a row.