With a shortage of taxis leaving many of Japan's cities in a bind, local authorities hope a new central government rule that involves lifting a ban on ride-hailing services in populated areas could give the country's regions an economic boost, although questions remain about the scheme's viability.
Hospitals and public health centers are so inundated with COVID-19 patients that they should be relieved of the burden of reporting new cases to the government on a daily basis as the task takes up precious resources, according to a proposal by mayors and governors from around Japan.
The government on Jan. 19 approved pre-emergency measures for 13 additional prefectures, but its chief health expert said the strict “stay home” requests issued during previous infection waves are not necessary this time around.
The central government is preparing to expand COVID-19 pre-emergency measures to 11 prefectures amid a rapid surge in cases of the Omicron variant, according to sources.