Japan to extend calls to avoid nightclubs, bars to all prefectures english.kyodonews.net

KYODO NEWS - 40 minutes ago - 14:35 | All, Coronavirus, JapanJapan will allow governors of all 47 prefectures to "strongly request" that their residents refrain from visiting nightclubs, hostess bars and busy downtown spots in a push to prevent cluster infections of the novel coronavirus, government officials said Saturday.
At present, Tokyo, Osaka and five other prefectures for which Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a state of emergency over the surge in virus infection are subject to the request.
Abe is expected to pitch for the need for the request during a meeting on coronavirus countermeasures later Saturday, the officials said.
According to experts, nightclubs and hostess bars provide an environment ripe for infection as crowds are crammed into an enclosed space in close contact.
In addition to nightclubs, Tokyo has also requested karaoke venues and internet cafes also suspend operations during the state of emergency.