The Tokyo metropolitan government decided Friday to temporarily suspend its tourism campaign for the Japanese capital’s residents when its trial period ends at the end of this month, due to the resurgence of COVID-19 infections.

The metropolitan government is considering resuming the tourism campaign on Aug. 22 or later. The campaign, launched on June 10 on a trial basis, offers discounts of 5,000 yen per tourist per night through travel agencies and accommodation facilities.

At a meeting of its novel coronavirus response headquarters, the metropolitan government also decided to strengthen its medical care system and accelerate COVID-19 vaccinations.

“With children entering summer school breaks, the season when people become active is coming,” Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike told a press conference after the meeting.

“We again ask (Tokyo residents) to receive COVID-19 vaccinations and continue coronavirus measures,” she said.

The governor said that she currently has no plans to impose movement restrictions, such as asking local restaurants and bars to shorten their operating hours.

During the “bon” summer holiday period, the metropolitan government will open free-of-charge COVID-19 testing centers at major train stations.

The metropolitan government will also set up temporary vaccination sites, aiming to encourage residents, especially young people, to get third vaccine shots.

“Two vaccinations are not enough for the omicron variant,” Koike said.

JIJI Press