Japan's current coronavirus state of emergency has been extended until the end of September in Tokyo and 18 other prefectures across Japan. This was a natural step, with the number of severely ill COVID-19 patients reaching staggering new heights and putting continuous pressure on the medical system.

       This time, however, we must note that, at the same time as the extension was announced, the government laid out plans to loosen the restrictions on activities that came with the emergency declaration, in anticipation of the progress achieved in vaccinations for people who want them.

       The government's plans include dropping demands for self-restraint such as avoiding travel over prefectural borders even under a state of emergency for those with proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test certificate. Furthermore, restaurants and bars that have been certified as taking sufficient anti-infection measures will be allowed to serve alcohol and keep normal business hours.

       These changes will be first trialed in a few areas to confirm that they do not cause a greater spread of infections. The government has said that it will move forward with the plan in consultation with local bodies and businesses.

       We understand the need to review the balance between anti-infection policy and socioeconomic activities, based on vaccination progress. However, was it appropriate to unveil these plans right now? Medical experts are voicing concerns that announcing them in this way could lead to lax anti-transmission practices among the population.

       The current COVID-19 wave, we must point out, was in the first place the product of the government's failure to plan ahead, while exercising an overly optimistic view that severe cases could be limited as long as vaccinations of the elderly proceeded well.

       Getting the fifth infection wave under control must be the number one priority. The number of people moving around in and beyond their hometowns will rise with children returning to school for the fall term and the string of holidays in the second half of September. This may cause another infection surge. We must stay vigilant when it comes to transmission prevention habits.

       The government's coronavirus policy subcommittee has indicated that, when it comes to deciding when and whether to lift the state of emergency, the authorities should regard the load on the medical system as of primary importance. As well as the occupancy rate of beds for severe cases, the subcommittee added metrics for falls in the number of COVID-19 patients recovering at home plus the number of moderate cases to the indicators for lifting the emergency declaration.

       If the state of emergency is to be lifted, the national and local governments must strengthen Japan's medical system. An exaggerated focus on reopening the economy must not lead to the emergency declaration being withdrawn in haste.

       New case numbers are drifting downward, but we cannot accept rosy predictions for the coming winter. All available measures must be taken to prevent another infection surge and repeated strain on the medical sector.

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