Tokyo’s rush back to business generating alarm at local levels

The central government moved to further relax restrictions on business activities despite a worrying spike in new coronavirus infections in Tokyo and fears it heralds a second wave in the health crisis. The policy decision is at odds with steps being taken by authorities in other prefectures who have expressed growing concern about the steady rise in COVID-19 infections, not only in their jurisdictions, but especially in Tokyo. It also comes as a doctors’ association in Tokyo called on the government to request business closures in selected areas. Although Tokyo posted its second straight day of record new infections on July 10, the central government went ahead with its plans to further...