Japan not to restrict socio-economic activities this fall onwards even if COVID-19 spreads like 7th wave

The Japanese government will not restrict economic and social activities as long as the spread of COVID-19 infections is similar to that of the Omicron strain in the seventh wave.

'If the spread of infection after autumn is due to a mutant strain with the same degree of infectivity and pathogenicity as the Omicron strain, we will take measures to prevent the spread of infection while maintaining socio-economic activities without implementing new restrictions on activities,' Matsuno Hirokazu, Chief Cabinet Secretary said.

As for national travel support, a measure to stimulate tourism demand, Matsuno added, 'The government will make an appropriate judgment after carefully watching the trend of the infection situation.'

Matsuno said the government would hold a subcommittee meeting on COVID-19 shortly and consider the response to the case where the number of infected people increases. The burden on the medical care system increases based on experts' opinions.