[ad_1]
Newly Diagnosed Japan Crown Pneumonia Surpasses 100,000 As Economy Continues To Relax Entry Restrictions
Author: Pan Yinru
Since the total number of confirmed cases of new coronary pneumonia in Japan exceeded 100,000, the local recovery trend has become more obvious.
According to the latest data from the Japan Broadcasting Association (NHK), on November 2, there were 489 new confirmed cases of new coronary pneumonia in Japan, and the cumulative number of confirmed cases increased to 102,548; there were 12 new deaths and the cumulative death toll was 1,788.
It is worth noting that there is a new trend in the epidemic in Japan. The Tokyo metropolitan area, the capital that was originally the epicenter of the epidemic, has slowed from the previous 100 cases to double digits since the end of October. The epidemic has recovered. Japanese media believe that the aforementioned regions are already prepared for the possible third wave of the epidemic.
In the quarterly economic outlook report on October 29, the Bank of Japan lowered its expectations for economic growth and inflation for fiscal 2020. The Bank of Japan lowered its forecast for GDP growth for this year from -4, 7% to -5.5% and its core inflation forecast from -0.5% to -0.6%. He also expects both short-term and long-term interest rates to stay current. Even a lower level.
The Bank of Japan stated that the Japanese economy has recovered, Japan’s imports and exports are recovering, and automobile-related exports are temporarily increasing. With the support of government measures, private consumption is also increasing. However, the outlook for economic activity and prices is “very uncertain.” In addition, we must pay close attention to the risks of the financial system.
In September this year, Japan only received around 13,700 foreign tourists. Affected by discounts on domestic travel, basic consumer prices fell for two consecutive months in September. The International Monetary Fund recently issued a forecast that Japan’s GDP this year could be US $ 4.8 trillion, which will fall below the US $ 5 trillion mark.
The highest number of new cases in Hokkaido
According to data from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, in Tokyo, which has seen an increase of 100 cases for two consecutive weeks before, the number of new confirmed cases in a single day has shown a downward trend since November. Among them, 116 cases were diagnosed in a single day on November 1 and the number dropped to 87 cases on November 2.
In areas outside of Tokyo, the epidemic is showing signs of recovery, especially in Hokkaido, where data has been continuously increasing recently. Among the newly confirmed cases on Nov. 2, Hokkaido had the highest number of cases, reaching 96, which also set a new record for the local increase in confirmed cases since the outbreak. Among them, Sapporo is the area most affected by the Hokkaido epidemic, and the number of confirmed cases accounted for 90% on the second day. The Sapporo city government stated at a press conference on the 2nd that the number of infected people among the middle-aged and elderly is currently increasing, and this group is more likely to develop a serious illness a once infected.
Today, Hokkaido has raised the alert level of the epidemic. Hokkaido Governor Suzuki Naomi said on Day 2: “At this time, we must take more comprehensive epidemic prevention measures. To better balance epidemic prevention and control and social and economic activities, this is very important to we”.
November coincides with the peak tourist season in Hokkaido. Prior to this, the Japanese government has adopted a series of “Go To” activities to stimulate the recovery of tourism in various places in order to boost the Japanese economy. However, since the Hokkaido region has recently become the epicenter of the epidemic in Japan, some tourists are concerned if there is a third wave of epidemics in Hokkaido.
In this regard, Hiroshima Takashi, an official with the Hokkaido Ministry of Health and Welfare, said: “The current (new cases) have not reached the peak, but I feel a strong sense of crisis.” However, he said that the number of hospital beds in Hokkaido has not yet entered a tense situation.
In addition to Hokkaido, the recent epidemic in Osaka has also recovered significantly. Data from November 1 showed that Osaka had 123 new confirmed cases that day, surpassing Tokyo for the first time in more than a few months. Currently, the number of new infections in a single day in Osaka has exceeded 100 for six consecutive days. In addition, the number of infected people in Aichi Prefecture has also been increasing in recent days, which has drawn the attention of the local government and the population.
Regarding the rebound of this wave of epidemics, the Japan Society of Experts believes that from a time point of view, the current period coincides with the strong promotion of the “Go to” series of activities. In addition, compared to the previous infection sites that were mainly concentrated in offices and entertainment venues, in this epidemic wave, universities, logistics and storage areas, etc. they have also experienced social infections, so the source of infection appears diversified.
Adjust the list of epidemic crisis levels
After the Japanese government relaxed entry restrictions on October 1, just a month later, the Japanese government lowered the risk level for some countries and regions, aiming to restart business contacts and strive to accelerate the pace of economic recovery in the post-epidemic era.
According to the statement made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Toshimitsu Motegi, on October 30, 9 countries and regions, including Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Singapore, are included in the list of degradation of the level of epidemic crisis . This is also the first time that the Japanese government has adjusted the crisis level of the epidemic since the new corona pneumonia epidemic in February. Currently, Japan still lists 152 countries and regions as tertiary warning areas for information on the risk of infectious diseases.
According to Japanese media reports, in the past, the Japanese government has begun considering conditions to allow entry for “ultra-short-term” commercial purposes within 72 hours, such as exempting 14 days of quarantine; activities are limited to hotels and work units; do not take public transport. However, in view of the recent spike in the epidemic in Europe and the United States, this consideration has been suspended. Japan currently only has a short-term stay mechanism for entrepreneurs with Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam. Under this mechanism, entrepreneurs in Japan and the three countries mentioned above can take a “green channel”.
The countries on Japan’s epidemic adjustment list this time have close economic and trade relations with Japan. Japanese media believe that Japan’s exports in the first half of 2020 have fallen 19.2% year-on-year. If trade can go smoothly, it will help promote economic recovery. At the same time, the lowering of the epidemic crisis level will also pave the way for Japan to resume normal trade relations with the aforementioned countries.
Japan’s gross domestic product (GDP) for the third quarter of 2020 will be announced on November 17. Data for the second quarter showed that the Japanese economy experienced its worst recession since World War II as it coincided with the closure of the city to combat the epidemic. As the most difficult stage of the previous epidemic has passed, several recently released data shows that the Japanese economy is gradually recovering.
The Japanese government will also introduce a new round of stimulus policies this week. Some members of the ruling party called for an aid plan of about 10 trillion yen (95.51 billion US dollars) to ease the impact of the epidemic. The 10 trillion yen funds previously reserved for the epidemic’s emergency needs still have about 7 trillion yen left, which will constitute the bulk of the funding source for this new stimulus plan.
At present, the scale of the third round of fiscal stimulus has not been finalized, but some members of the ruling party said it will certainly not exceed the scale of the previous two rounds totaling 2.2 trillion yen. The reason they gave was to avoid a further deterioration of the fiscal gap. The focus of this round of financial assistance is to help companies stabilize jobs and open new sources of financing.
Massive information, accurate interpretation, all in the Sina Finance APP
Editor in charge: Liu Xuanyi
