Japan Considers Fines to Get Bars to Close Early Due to Virus
- Suga says government mulling sharper curbs as cases rise
- Premier says Japan’s vaccine data to be compiled in February
Izakaya bars at night in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo.
Photographer: Soichiro Koriyama/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Japan is considering adding teeth to voluntary restrictions on hours for bars and restaurants during the coronavirus pandemic by fining establishments that don’t comply with instructions to close early.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said Friday that unease is growing as the country faces rising daily infections. A record of 3,745 new cases were identified through 6 p.m. Friday, broadcaster NTV reported. Suga renewed a call for the public to spend the New Year’s holidays quietly at home.