Tokyo Lifts Virus Alert to Highest Level, Urges Caution in Bars
- Tokyo says avoid bars, restaurants flouting virus guidelines
- Koike says government should review regional tourism campaign
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike holds an infection spread alert sign during a news conference in Tokyo, on July 15.
Photographer: Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP via Getty Images
Tokyo raised its alert level for coronavirus to the highest on a four-point scale as authorities urged people to modify their behavior in order to prevent a further spread of infection within the capital.
The city, which reported 165 coronavirus cases on Wednesday, has struggled to get a handle on a growing number of infections as it seeks to reopen its economy. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike unveiled a new slogan urging residents to avoid stores that don’t meet guidelines designed to reduce the spread of infections, but has not called on businesses to close their doors.
“Stay out of restaurants and bars that aren’t following guidelines such as properly ventilating, sanitizing hands and having staff wear masks,” Koike said at a press briefing. Noting an increase in cases in such establishments, she also called on people to avoid heavy drinking to reduce the risk of virus-laden droplets being spread. “When you drink alcohol, you’re likely to speak in a loud voice,” she said.