at 20:00 (JST), November 22

 

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20201122200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : campaign quickly
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201122_12/

Japanese Economic Revitalization Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi says the government will announce a new direction for its "Go To" travel campaign in the coming days as coronavirus cases continue to rise sharply.

Nishimura said on an NHK program on Sunday that the government will impose some restrictions on the campaign, although he thinks there is nothing wrong with the program itself.

He noted that the government needs to quickly respond to the changing situation to avoid having to take severe measures such as declaring a state of emergency.

Nishimura said the Japan Tourism Agency may ask travel agencies to stop accepting campaign reservations for visits to areas where cases have exceeded a certain level.

He also said the agency is trying to find ways to allow travelers to cancel their trips without having to pay fees.

Nishimura added that the government will outline a new direction for the campaign in the next few days, in cooperation with the governors of prefectures where cases are spiking.

Key words : suga announced partially
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201121_18/

Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide has announced that he's partially halting government programs brought in to boost travel and dining out.

Suga was speaking at a coronavirus taskforce meeting on Saturday. Economic Revitalization Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi and Japanese Tourism Minister Akaba Kazuyoshi were also in attendance.

Suga said the country's coronavirus cases have reached record levels and that utmost caution is still required. He said he will work with local governors to introduce stronger measures in areas seeing a rapid rise in infections.

On Friday, an expert panel on the coronavirus advised the government to review the "Go To" programs.

For "Go To Travel," Suga said he will call for a suspension of new reservations to regions seeing a resurgence of coronavirus cases. For "Go To Eat," he said he will urge local governments to suspend issuing meal coupons.

Suga said the central government will assist local governments financially to subsidize eateries that agree to limit their business hours and other measures. He said that the government will allocate a budget of about 481 million dollars for this purpose.

The prime minister added that should the virus be confirmed in medical or nursing care facilities, the government will pay for all residents and workers to be tested to prevent serious cases from occurring.

Suga instructed relevant ministers to work closely with local governments and do their utmost on measures to protect people. He went on to say that cooperation from citizens is vital so that even stronger measures that could limit social and economic activities do not have to be implemented.

He called on people to take thorough measures, including wearing facemasks, even while dining out, washing one's hands, and avoiding the "Three Cs" -- closed spaces, crowded places and close-contact settings.

Key words : koike government should make decision
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Key words : three-day traveling
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Key words : osaka 490 cases
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Key words : iran fresh wave
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201122_05/

Iran has introduced new social restrictions to tame a fresh wave of coronavirus infections. The measures include a ban on nighttime driving in the capital, Tehran.

Infections have been resurging since September, with around 13,000 new cases reported in each of the past few days. The new restrictions took effect nationwide on Saturday.

In Tehran, authorities shut down all stores, except for those selling food, medicine, and other daily necessities. The closure will continue for at least two weeks.

Driving is banned between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m., except for buses and other public transportation services. Violators face a fine of 10-million rials, or about 37 dollars.

A man in Tehran said restrictions are necessary to protect people's health. But he said no work means no wages, and that the new steps will hurt livelihoods.

A man who works for a clothing firm said business has come to a complete halt, because the shops are shuttered. He added there is nothing he can do.

Concern is rising over the impact of the new measures. Iran's economy is already shrinking due to US economic sanctions. Inflation, caused by the plunge in currency value, has added to the turmoil.

Key words : canada toronto
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201122_06/

Canada is having a spike in coronavirus infections. Its largest city, Toronto, will go into lockdown on Monday.

According to Johns Hopkins University in the United States, Canada began showing a clear uptick in infections in October. The daily tally has reached around 5,000 in recent days.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday that the country is at risk of seeing caseloads go up, hospitals get overwhelmed, and more loved ones dying. He urged Canadians to cancel parties and group dining, and stay at home.

In Toronto, the rate of those testing positive for the virus topped six percent on average in the week up to November 14.

Under the city's lockdown measures, stores will be closed except for those selling daily necessities. Restaurants and bars will only offer takeout and deliveries.

The premier of Ontario, which includes Toronto, warned that the situation is extremely serious. He said action is required to avoid the worst case scenario.

Key words : prime called on G20
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201122_04/

Japan's Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide has called on the Group of 20 major economies to push for the availability of coronavirus vaccines and treatments for people around the world.

Suga spoke at an online G20 summit chaired by Saudi Arabia. US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping were among the leaders who took part on Saturday, at the start of the two-day summit.

Suga said the G20 should clearly send a message that it will take the lead in responding to the pandemic, restoring economic growth, resuming international travel, and in creating a post-COVID international order.

Suga noted the importance of creating an environment in which everyone around the world can gain access to therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostics.

He said this requires a comprehensive effort, including in development, production, and delivery of medications. He said Japan plans to help establish universal health coverage, in which high quality healthcare is provided to all.

Suga said no effort should be spared in order to achieve a global economic recovery and to resume international travel, while taking measures to prevent the spread of infections. He suggested that Japan will promote international rule-making in the digital field and strengthen supply chains.

On the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, which have been postponed to next year, Suga said he is determined to stage them, as proof that mankind has overcome the virus. He stressed that his government will go all-out to hold the Games safely and securely.

Key words : Trump highlighted
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201122_09/

US President Donald Trump has stressed his efforts to fight the coronavirus while promoting his moves to repair the US economy devastated by the pandemic.

Trump was speaking at the two-day virtual Group of 20 leaders' summit that opened on Saturday.

The White House released a statement after he spoke on the opening day. It says Trump highlighted how the United States "marshaled every resource at its disposal" to respond to the crisis, as well as the unprecedented economic recovery of the country on a foundation of tax and regulatory cuts.

It also says he spoke about the aggressive actions taken to develop vaccines and therapies at record-setting speed.

Further, it says Trump reaffirmed the importance of the G20 working together for future economic growth and prosperity.

But while he painted the situation in upbeat terms, the United States hit a record high of about 195,000 daily new cases on Friday.

It was Trump's second virtual appearance at an international conference since the November 3 US presidential election. His last appearance was at Friday's online APEC summit.

Key words : putin stabilized
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201122_11/

Russian President Vladimir Putin says that the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh has stabilized with the deployment of Russian peacekeeping troops.

Earlier this month, Russia brokered an agreement by Azerbaijan and Armenia to stop fighting over the region.

Russian peacekeepers are on the ground to secure the truce.

Putin held an online meeting with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and others on Friday.

He said that the situation is under control now that Russian troops are there.

He instructed the ministers to secure the safety of residents returning to Nagorno-Karabakh and provide humanitarian aid.

Lavrov visited Armenia and Azerbaijan on Saturday, meeting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and later with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

They reaffirmed their commitment to implement the agreement.

The United States, France and Russia had been jointly involved in brokering ceasefire over the region. But Putin maintains that his country acted alone this time because of the urgency of the situation.

Russia is apparently trying to increase its influence in the region with its military presence.

Key words : organizer
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201122_02/

Holding a large festival may not be a wise idea during the coronavirus pandemic. But organizers of one of Japan's traditional festivals are test-staging the event, with ample social distancing.

The centuries' old Awa Odori dance festival in Tokushima City, western Japan, normally draws large crowds, eager to get a close view of a parade of energetic performers. The event was canceled this past summer, but organizers are hoping to stage the event next year.

Various infection-prevention measures were in place in the trial that began on Saturday. Stands that have a capacity of 900 were installed in a park, with all of the seats kept apart to ensure social distancing. Admission took place using digital tickets.

The dancers, wearing face guards, also kept a distance from each other as they performed to "shamisen" strings and flutes.

Although closely packed dancing is the trademark of Awa Odori, the spectators didn't seem to mind the change and were enjoying the dynamic performance.

Organizers are hoping that the festival can be held for four straight days as usual next summer.

Tokushima Mayor Naito Sawako, who heads the organizing committee, said guidelines should be drawn up to stage the festival under a "new normal." She said she hopes a successful Awa Odori will become a model for other festivals.