Tokyo Requests Residents to Refrain from Weekend Outings, Leading to Panic Buying of Daily Necessities

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] As confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) surged in Tokyo, Japan, and requests to refrain from going out over the weekend were issued, a remarkable scene unfolded with long queues forming at supermarkets and large stores as people tried to stock up on groceries.

According to major foreign media on the 27th, Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo, urged residents to refrain from going out and to stay indoors over the weekend until April 12. As a result, scenes such as more than ten people lining up to buy toilet paper were observed. Additionally, long queues formed at various supermarkets and large stores to stockpile rice and groceries.

NHK also announced the business hours and closures of major department stores and convenience stores ahead of the weekend.

As the number of citizens trying to obtain groceries increased, supermarkets secured about five times more inventory than usual. Major foreign media reported that as soon as supermarkets across Tokyo opened at 9 a.m., customers flocked in, and announcements stating "There is sufficient stock" were repeatedly broadcast inside the stores.

However, local media reported that due to the rapid increase in customers, stock depletion occurred quickly, causing delays in restocking shelves.

With the request to refrain from going out, the number of Japanese companies adopting telecommuting as the basic work style is also increasing.

Hitachi Ltd. ordered 50,000 employees working at its Tokyo office to work from home for the time being on the 26th.

Sony also instructed about 20,000 employees, mainly in the TV and semiconductor electronics divisions, to work from home until the end of next month on the 27th.

Additionally, Sapporo Holdings extended its telecommuting policy, which was scheduled to be implemented until the end of March this year, until the end of next month. LINE also encouraged about 3,500 employees working in Tokyo to work from home.

Meanwhile, as of 2 p.m. on the 27th, Japan's confirmed COVID-19 cases totaled 2,117 (including passengers aboard the Diamond Princess). The cumulative death toll was 57. Among these, Tokyo had the highest number of infections, with 259 cases.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.