TOKYO (JAPAN) – Japanese host and hostess clubs must take swift actions to ensure they follow rules to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The economy minister said on Friday after nightlife districts became new hot spots in the spike of infections.
The call from Yasutoshi Nishimura comes in the wake of Tokyo recording the daily high of more than 240 new infections on Friday, according to public broadcaster NHK.
Since the government eased the state of emergency about a month ago, infections in the capital have been gradually increasing, and the notorious Kabukicho red-light district became a major source of cases.
Clusters were first found among Kabukicho’s many host clubs, where well dressed young men entertain women customers over drinks, in addition to the female equivalent hostess or “cabaret” clubs.
Outbreaks have also been found in Ikebukuro’s red-light district.
Nishimura said customers should be provided enough space and good ventilation. He added that he would meet experts and chiefs of the nightlife districts later on Friday to decide on other measures.
Tokyo’s jump in cases comes with a rise in testing. Nishimura stressed that authorities needed to be even more aggressive to contain the surge.
“We need to further expand PCR testing. We need to boldly expand PCR testing,” he said.
Japan has had about 20,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 980 deaths.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.