Tokyo, surrounding prefectures lift COVID-19 restrictions on eateries

TOKYO -- Tokyo and three surrounding prefectures of Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba, as well as Osaka on Monday lifted the COVID-19 restrictions on eateries following an ongoing downward trend in infections across Japan.

Containing measures on the serving of alcohol and the operating hours in restaurants in the capital and Osaka was first lifted in 11 months.

Daily confirmed COVID-19 cases fell to 236 across the country on Sunday, compared to more than 25,000 reported in mid-August in the fifth wave of infections. Tokyo confirmed 19 daily infections on Sunday, the fewest since June 17 last year.

In Tokyo, around 102,000 eateries certified as having necessary anti-COVID-19 measures will be no longer subject to a request to stop serving alcohol by 8:00 p.m. local time. However, about 18,000 uncertified dining establishments will need to continue following the old restrictions and must stop serving by 9:00 p.m. local time.

In addition, all eateries will be requested to limit group sizes to four people per table, and for larger groups, proof of vaccination will be required.

The Tokyo metropolitan government said it would reinforce anti-COVID-19 measures through the end of November to promote the recovery of social and economic activities while preventing a resurgence in infections.