TOKYO: The Tokyo metropolitan government on Thursday started considering advancing to the final phase of its three-stage road map for easing its business suspension request issued as part of its efforts for containing the new coronavirus crisis.

The metropolitan government is likely to make a decision later in the day, after studying the infection situation in the Japanese capital and hearing opinions from experts. It will also decide whether to lift its "Tokyo Alert," issued last week to call on residents to take extra caution against the virus.

"Industries have prepared their respective guidelines for preventing infections," Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike told reporters. "We'll make a decision based on the analysis of the situation while asking experts to check the medical system," she added.

According to informed sources, 22 new cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed in Tokyo on Thursday.

In the third stage, eating and drinking establishments without hospitality services and entertainment facilities such as karaoke parlors, pachinko pinball parlors, amusement parks and game arcades will see the business suspension request removed. Restaurants will be able to stay open until midnight, compared with 10 p.m. under the second stage.

The current second stage of the road map started on June 1, with the closure request lifted for commercial facilities, cinemas and fitness gyms.

Meanwhile, the Tokyo Alert was issued on June 2 as the number of new confirmed infection cases in Tokyo came to 34 on the day. The metropolitan government asked people to be cautious about visiting places where many infections have occurred, such as nightlife establishments.

JIJI Press