On April 17, Fukuoka Prefecture announced 17 additional cases of COVID-19 infection, as well as the ninth death linked to the virus. The cumulative total for the prefecture is now 479. On the same day, Governor Hiroshi Ogawa outlined the prefectures’ financial aid package for local businesses. Mid and small companies whose corona-linked financial losses are not covered by the national support package would be eligible to receive up to ¥500,000 in cash. Qualifying companies include those with a monthly loss of 30% ~ 50% compared to the same month in 2019.) Freelancers would also be eligible to receive up to ¥250,000 under the same condition. The prefecture would appropriate a budget of ¥15.4 billion to cover 100,000 identities or 70% of the local businesses. Ogawa also outlined extended financing support for mid-small companies; a subsidy for eateries who introduce home-delivery services; a subsidy for offices that add teleworking systems; and an aid for small and middle-size accommodation facilities who purchase materials for sanitizing. Additionally, medical facilities that treat the new coronavirus patients will receive ¥300,000 per patient. The entire relief project cost is expected to add up to ¥53.3 billion. To help cover part of this expense, non-urgent projects scheduled this year will be postponed or canceled. Also, salaries for special positions, including the governor, will be cut. At the press conference, Ogawa stressed the importance of cooperation amongst all residents at this time of hardship.
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