On April 14, Fukuoka City Mayor Soichiro Takashima outlined plans to offer financial support to businesses and facilities that comply with requests to temporarily close or reduce business hours during this state of emergency. The city will cover up to 80% of rental costs for small and medium-sized businesses. Approximately ¥5 billion has been allocated for the scheme, which is expected to benefit close up to 17,000 facilities. The mayor also revealed that an employment adjustment subsidy program would be expanded to help businesses cover labor costs. Additionally, customers who order a takeaway that cost over ¥1,000 from selected eateries will receive up to ¥500 in coupons or points to encourage residents to stay indoors. Accommodation facilities in the city, many of which remain open, will be eligible to receive up ¥500,000 to help disinfect and sterilize their premises.
The mayor also outlined plans to provide benefits to doctors and nurses at medical institutions in the city. Between ¥400,000 to ¥6 million will be made available to facilities according to size. Clinics and hospitals will also receive ¥300,000 for every coronavirus patient they administer. The mayor also strongly advised parents to stay at home to take care of young children during this time. The city recognizes that this will be unavoidable for those working in police services, healthcare, nursing, childcare, and single-parent households. Still, it stresses that reducing the number of children in daycare will help reduce the risk of infection.
The mayor hopes that these measures will allow businesses and individuals and businesses to cooperate with government strategies to decrease the spread of the COVID-19 virus. He stressed once again that residents should refrain from going outside to protect lives.
Source: Mayor Takashima’s Blog
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