Updates on the state of emergency (7 April to 6 May 2020).
MEASURES
- On 16 April, the government announced that the areas that subject to the measures under the state of emergency are extended to all prefectures in addition to Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Osaka, Hyogo, Fukuoka.
- On 17 April, the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a press conference and explained the decision to extend the areas of emergency declaration. The Prime Minister also mentioned that as areas subject to the measures under the state of emergency have expanded, for businesses (restaurant, tourism, other industry) which are being affected, the government will implement cash payments to these businesses to support them financially.
IMPACT ON FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN
- On 17 April, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) Taku Eto held a press conference and explained the situation regarding the expansion of the emergency declaration. The Minister has reiterated that the MAFF has immediately established local headquarters in all prefectures to continue support the adequate and stable supply of food to the people during the emergency state.
- On 17 April, the MAFF issued the current food supply status in Japan. For manufacturers, the demand for products had been rising. In order to meet the needs of consumers, the manufacturers (frozen products) have been operating in full production and some of the manufacturers (instant noodles, retort food) will continue to increase their production to support the adequate supply of food. In addition, there are some delays in terms of the shipments of food products too.
- In addition, Japan has temporarily relaxed food labelling rules to help manufacturing firms that need to make adjustments to production processes/raw materials in their productions amid of COVID-19.