Cabinet Approves bills to prosecute individuals who fail to comply with antivirus measures
On Friday, Japan’s cabinet approved draft laws to toughen coronavirus controls, a step that for the first time since the outbreak began could threaten rule-breakers with fines and jail sentences.
In an effort to quell a historic surge in Covid-19 infections, the capital and other regions are presently under a state of emergency.
But the measure has no means of compliance, unlike strict lockdowns seen elsewhere in the world—with individuals encouraged rather than forced to stay home, and no fines for companies that violate demands to close early.
Recent surveys show that approval ratings for the government of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga have plummeted over its handling of the current wave, although some analysts have lauded Japan’s soft approach, which seeks to balance infection control with economic effects.
The new legislation will allow officials, if they test positive but deny hospitalization, to punish and even jail individuals for up to a year.
When told not to have fines of up to 500,000 yen, they will also penalize bars and restaurants that continue evening service.
Suga said the draft bills had been given the green light by his cabinet and urged legislators to discuss and review them “swiftly”
Next week, the bills are expected to pass parliament, although reports have suggested that the opposition would press for an alteration to the compulsory hospitalization portion following criticism that it threatens civil liberties.
The draft laws would allow local governments to name and shame medical facilities that flout requests to admit COVID-19 patients.
Source: Japan Today
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