Prognosis
Japan Acted Like the Virus Had Gone. Now It’s Spread Everywhere.
- After first wave, Japan re-opened quickly, urged travel
- Focus on economic recovery over infection control blamed
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After initial success, Japan is facing a reality check on the coronavirus.
The country garnered global attention after containing the first wave of Covid-19 with what it referred to as the “Japan Model” -- limited testing and no lockdown, nor any legal means to force businesses to close. The country’s finance minister even suggested a higher “cultural standard” helped contain the disease.