The government established the COVID-19 Control Center and determined a basic policy for the control of the COVID-19 pandemic (https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/10900000/000599698.pdf) and a basic countermeasure policy for the control of COVID-19 infection (https://corona.go.jp/expert-meeting/pdf/kihon_h_0514.pdf). Among others, enterprises shall provide accurate and easy-to-understand information and calls to the public. As a countermeasure against COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare introduced subsidies to support teleworking and special leave systems in small and medium enterprises (See Here).
On April 6, 2020, the Guidance to the Businesses affected by COVID-19 was updated to include the information on the employment adjustment subsidy (See Here). On April 25, 2020, the enterprises that may apply for the employment adjustment subsidies are expanded under the Special Implementation Measures (See Here). The application procedure is simplified on May 6, 2020 (See Here).
The Ministry of Environment published a series of documents regarding the appropriate disposal of wastes contaminated with COVID-19 (See Here). Enterprises shall take infection prevention measures before disposing of the contaminated waste properly.
On April 7, 2020, the Head of the Novel Coronavirus Response Headquarters declared a state of emergency (See Here). The business operators in essential industries are required to continue their business during the period.
On May 25, 2020, the lifting of the state of emergency was declared (See Here). Based on the assessment of the situation of infection and the risk of further infection in respective regions, the request for refraining from leaving home as well as restrictions of holding events and using facilities will be gradually eased approximately every three weeks.
All nationals arriving from all regions are required to self-quarantine for 14 days after their arrival to Japan and to refrain from using public transportation. In addition, Japan publishes a list of countries in which the foreign national will be subject to denial of landing if the person stayed within 14 days before the landing (More Info).
Employers should continue to check with relevant authorities for the latest information:
– Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000164708_00001.html)
– Ministry of Environment (http://www.env.go.jp/saigai/novel_coronavirus_2020.html)
– Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (https://www.meti.go.jp/covid-19/index.html)