TOKYO: Tokyo, June 19 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government on Friday fully lifted its request for voluntary restrictions on traveling across prefectural borders, issued to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Economic and social activities will be resumed further following the end to the restrictions on travel to and from the last remaining five prefectures, including Tokyo, for which the government lifted its coronavirus emergency May 25.

Restrictions on events such as concerts and exhibitions were also relaxed.

As long as organizers limit the attendance to 50 pct of capacity, they are allowed to hold events with up to 1,000 participants. The previous limit was 100 participants.

Professional sports events can be held without spectators.

Requests for voluntary restrictions remain on national festivals but no longer on regional festivals.

The government also removed a business closure request imposed on hostess bars and live music venues, both of which are believed to carry high risks of group infections.

The operators of such establishments are required to follow guidelines for precautions such as keeping a distance of at least 2 meters between customers.

Japan is in a government-designated transition period between May 25 and July 31 during which COVID-19 restrictions are to be gradually eased about every three weeks.

The next relaxation is slated for July 10, when the maximum number of participants per event will be raised to 5,000.

JIJI Press