If you have business in Japan or planning to visit Japan, you must be worried about coronavirus.
They said it is not a deadly disease for most people, however it can be life threatening if you are over 70 and have a chronic disease - like high blood pressure, asthma or diabetes.
Japan is placed 4th for the number of coronavirus patients, excluding China.
As of Mar. 3, 239 people are infected with coronavirus in Japan (separate from the 705 people who got infected in the cruise ship). However, about 120 people recovered and released from the hospital.
Schools
Prime minister Abe has announced on Feb. 27, to shut all schools (kindergarten, elementary, middle and some high schools) to shut down nationwide. The decision is finalized by local government, but children are most likely to start their spring break 2 weeks before it was scheduled.
Most children have no school, yet the parents and people still work. Companies are not subject to this shutting down, so if you need to contact your business partners in Japan or if you visit Japan, you will be able to do it. More and more companies are recommending people to work from home, yet many companies do not have such system, so people still commute to work.
Public Transportation
Public transportation such as subways, trains, air planes and buses are moving as usual, maybe with a bit less passengers.
But some people avoid using public transportation, rather they drive or do everything online.
Work Place
Some companies ask their employees to work shorter hours for them to stay not too long at the office.
Some companies ask the employees to either come early or later than usual so that they can avoid the rush hours.
More and more people are trying to do online meetings - so that they don't actually have to be in the same room.
Masks
Yes. 80-85% people on the street wear masks.
If you come in mask-less, you might stand out.
However, it is hard to find masks at stores.
It is your decision
So, if you are thinking about coming to Japan for business purpose, this is not a good time. If you can wait for another a month it is better to wait unless there is a good reason to be rush. But it is totally your choice to decide.
Most industries are slowing down in Japan and outside of Japan as well.
Industries like:
Restaurants, hotels, entertainment (movies, museums. concerts, events) are the ones having tough time surviving this period.
But almost all stores have dropped sales compared to last year.
However, I believe this quarantine won't last too long (meaning not till May or June, but only few weeks).
The only thing we need to be is to stay positive to get through this issue.
If you are interested in West Heading's translation -
