On May 5, Fukuoka Prefecture announced one additional case of COVID-19 infection, bringing the cumulative total to 649. On the same day, Fukuoka City Mayor Soichiro Takashima responded to the prefecture’s request for extended business-closures at a press conference. The city will continue aiding small and mid-sized companies by covering up to 80% of their rental costs. It will also support operations of essential services, including taxis and hair salons, by providing subsidies of ¥100,000~150,000. Additionally, a new ¥100,000 allowance for local eateries that offer takeaway meals (*under some conditions) will be introduced. Meanwhile, Fukuoka Prefecture stepped up its effort to close local pachinko parlors that continue to ignore requests to close. Six parlors were given new closure ‘directions,’ which do not include legal penalties. Governor Hiroshi Ogawa remains very concerned at the regional situation, pointing out the possibility of a second wave of the infections. He also asked the national government to provide clear criteria for the eventual lifting of the state of emergency. Sources: Fukuoka Prefecture / Nikkei / Mainichi / NHK
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