It’s been a couple of weeks since the government suggested closing schools to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus and a LOT has happened over that time. So, exactly how has the COVID-19 coronavirus affected life in Tokyo? Here’s a roundup of all the things that have happened so far:
Teleworking on the Rise
Japan’s work culture is famous for its ability to resist much needed change. However, in light of the outbreak of COVID-19, large firms and companies have started encouraging workers to do telework – work remotely – to avoid infection.
Closures and Event Cancellations
The presence of coronavirus in Tokyo has caused the cancellation of private and public events, among them the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and I Love Ireland Festival, and the closure of entertainment and leisure hubs. The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, which is currently hosting a René Lalique exhibit, has advised that they will be closed until March 15th. And theme parks all over Tokyo have sought to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus by closing their doors for the time being.
TDR Explorer has compiled a comprehensive list of major tourist attractions closed due to coronavirus that he’s constantly updating. Head on over to his blog for a glimpse of Tokyo Disney Resort during the closure.
Steps taken to address the virus have varied with similarly varied results. The Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, for example, will be held in its entirety without any civilian spectators. The Tokyo Marathon held last March 1st had less success. Although this year’s competition was restricted to only elites and a reminder that the event will be broadcast on TV and radio, Kyodo News reported that around 72,000 spectators still gathered to show their support.
No More Hanami?
Most, if not all, public events have already been cancelled for this year. A handy list of just some of the many cancelled sakura festivals is available on the Jorudan website.
The Tokyo government has NOT cancelled hanami in general this year, and is instead urging citizens to control their impulses to party and picnic at municipal parks and riverbanks and to practice proper cough etiquette (more below) to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
The New Tax and Visa Deadline for 2020
To avoid overcrowding at their respective offices, the National Tax Agency and the Immigration Services Agency of Japan have both extended deadlines. Filing of taxes has been extended from March 16th, 2020 to April 16th, 2020. In addition, visas which expire in March will be accepted for renewals until the month after the visa’s expiration.
The Ongoing Toilet Paper and Mask Shortage
Due to the spread of misinformation – which, incidentally seems to be more dangerous than the virus itself – toilet paper and masks have become a viral topic online. As we learned from some (not so) humble tweets a couple of weeks ago, citizens went into a shopping frenzy, hoarding as much toilet paper as their Costco carts could carry. The Asahi Shimbun reported last week that one of the perpetrators has finally been identified and is expected to receive punishment for their actions.
Although the situation seems to have calmed down, toilet paper stocks at supermarkets are still low. Rest assured, they are not altogether unavailable. Masks, on the other hand, are still in very short supply, much to the dismay of people suffering from hay fever (kafunsho).
Fighting over Cough Etiquette
So far, two heated disagreements among commuters have reached news outlets. The first incident happened in Fukuoka, as reported by The Mainichi Shimbun, where a train was delayed after a man pressed the emergency button over a passenger without a mask who had coughed. The second, this time from Sora News, involved an older gentleman on the Yamanote Line losing his temper over the same thing.
An Infectious Way to Remember Handwashing
Health experts recommend that hand-washing is the best way to avoid catching the COVID-19 coronavirus. Once again, the online community delivers, with a plethora of ‘hand-washing songs’ popping up all over social media. Even news outlets like the LA Times released their own list, including Beyoncé’s smash hit “Love on Top”.
And everyone can join in the fun! Other hits to grace hand-washing memes are Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time” and My Chemical Romance’s emo anthem “Welcome to the Black Parade.”
But perhaps the ultimate hand-washing anthem comes from Vietnam’s Ghen Cô Vy whose coronavirus song has become an overnight sensation with millions of views on YouTube.
Did we miss anything? Tell us what stories you’ve been keeping up with in the comments below!
