Tokyo lifts Covid state of emergency

The measure was in effect in the capital and 18 other prefectures. Yesterday, the country reported 1,576 cases. The imperial family announced that Princess Mako will marry her fiancé on Oct. 26.

Tokyo (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Japan today lifted the state of emergency that had been imposed to reduce Covid-19 infections. The measure was in force in Tokyo and 18 other prefectures and included among other things the closure of restaurants at 8 pm and the reduction of spectators at major events.

The population was urged not to leave their homes except for essential travel. After the government announcement, All Nippon Airways received about 50 thousand bookings for domestic flights.

After peaking at nearly 26 thousand infections on August 20, Covid-19 infections in Japan have begun to decline. Yesterday, 1,576 cases were reported across the country. The capital Tokyo had been placed under a state of emergency on July 12, about ten days before the opening ceremony of the Olympics.

Now it remains to be seen what decisions will be taken by the Japanese government to facilitate the return to normality: it could require a certificate of vaccination to attend events or for long-distance travel, but these are provisions that will be up to the future new premier Fumio Kishida. 

Health experts expressed concern about a "sixth wave," but also said that if infections were to rise again, the measures to be taken would be different because of the higher rate of vaccinated people.

Meanwhile, the imperial household announced today that Princess Mako will marry her fiancé Kei Komuro on October 26. Female members of the imperial family lose their royal status when they marry ordinary citizens, so Mako will not receive part of the family inheritance and will not celebrate the marriage with traditional rites.