Hokkaido declares new state of emergency amid 'second wave' of coronavirus infections

Hokkaido declares new state of emergency amid 'second wave' of coronavirus infections

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/04/13/national/hokkaido-declares-new-state-emergency-amid-second-wave-coronavirus-infections/

This serves as a reminder that no one city or country including Australia Capital Territory (ACT) and some other states should celebrate prematurely after lockdown is lifted.

Many weeks ago, a Singaporean friend who is a PR in Australia wrote about Singapore's success in curbing the spread of the virus. Singapore had only 100 cases then.

I commented that it was too early to call, and it was not the time to pop the Champagne cork. Singaporeans were over confident, and later became too complacent, and unfortunately, the government overlooked or neglected the imported workers who lived in very high density dormitory.

A recent research from China shows that some people exhibited slight symptoms, and tested three times giving negative result, finally proved to be positive victims. It seems the virus could go much further in the lung and incubate.

The recovered patients may not be completely cleared of the virus, because they remain and incubate within the organs.

Many people are likely to be over saturated with all the bad news, and may do silly things after the lockdown.

Please keep in mind that there are still a lot of people stranded overseas in countries with much higher cases. They can be potential spreaders and just hope that they do not kick start the second wave.

Thank you for reading.

Hokkaido declares new state of emergency amid 'second wave' of coronavirus infections

A disaster waiting to happen or a bold evidence based response? In Sweden, it depends who you ask

Posted to The Age (20/4/2020) on 22/4/2020 (not published by the newspaper)

Commenting on "A disaster waiting to happen or a bold evidence based response? In Sweden, it depends who you ask"
https://www.theage.com.au/world/europe/a-disaster-waiting-to-happen-or-a-bold-evidence-based-response-in-sweden-it-depends-who-you-ask-20200420-p54ll8.html

UK is a living proof that herd immunisation was not the go, and the PM nearly paid the biggest price, his own life, for his misjudgement.

Australia close neighbour, Singapore, was once hailed as a model for other countries to follow, has become a victim of complacency and overlooks the living conditions of certain segment of the population.

Japan was hardly affected by coronavirus until the day it announced the cancellation of the Olympics in August. Soon after that date, Japan PM declared a state of emergency.

Governments need to take tough decisions in a crisis situation. Swedish government seems to deal with the current pandemic against the norm, just like what UK once adopted.

Thank you for reading.

A disaster waiting to happen or a bold evidence based response? In Sweden, it depends who you ask

What does a state of emergency mean for Japan?

What does a state of emergency mean for Japan?
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/coronavirus-what-does-a-state-of-emergency-mean-for-japan

Japan is the third largest economy in the world. Once appeared to be avoiding a full-blown epidemic, the country has recently seen a large increase in coronavirus cases, especially in Tokyo and Osaka.

The main answer as to why Japan has such low infection rate is likely due to Japan has not conducted extensive coronavirus testing intentionally or otherwise.

Was it a coincidence that after March 24 when Tokyo called off the 2020 Olympics, then the virus started to spread rapidly? Three days later on 27 March, Japan saw its biggest daily increase. By Monday 30 March, Tokyo alone marked the biggest daily increase in COVID-19 cases since the epidemic began.

There is speculation that mitigation strategies were delayed in order to quell fears about hosting the Olympics during an outbreak.

At present, the number of coronavirus cases stands at 3653, and 85 deaths.

Japan’s Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, plans to declare a state of emergency in Tokyo and six other prefectures in an attempt to stem a sharp rise.

The government has no legal authority to impose the kind of lockdowns seen in other countries, or to fine residents who ignore the request. Japan's legal system, influenced by the legacy of wartime excesses, limits the government's power over its citizens.

Under the state of emergency, the governors of the prefectures are empowered to do the following, but offer no reinforcement:to call for restrictions on movement

• to encourage people to stay at home and to practise social distancing when they go out
• to call for businesses like entertainment venues or department stores, to close their doors
• to order the cancellation of events
• to commandeer buildings or land for medical purposes
• to close public institutions like schools

Public transport is expected to continue running, though possibly on a more limited basis. Shops and other business may remain open.

Thank you for reading.

What does a state of emergency mean for Japan?