Japanese government workers party until midnight despite virus restrictions

A group of health ministry officials partied at a restaurant in Tokyo until around midnight, as the metropolitan government asked restaurants to shorten opening hours to curb the spread of the coronavirus, a report revealed. responsible for the ministry.

Last Wednesday, 23 employees of the Office of Seniors’ Health and Welfare attended the alleged “farewell” dinner. Division heads were also present at the party held in the capital’s glitzy Ginza district, the official said on Monday, who expressed remorse for the event.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Affairs is expected to sanction those present after verifying the facts, with Health Minister Norihisa Tamura likely to announce an investigation into the matter at a press conference later on Tuesday .

Although the state of emergency for the virus was lifted on March 21, Tokyo has asked restaurants to shorten their opening hours by closing at 9 p.m., effective April 21.

Meanwhile, a proposal made by the government’s coronavirus task force recommends limiting meals to a maximum of four people from a close circle, such as co-workers.