Curbs on travel to and from Tokyo, Hokkaido, 3 other prefectures to be lifted Friday

Abe made the announcement at the headquarters of the government task force to respond to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The government intends to allow large-scale events to be held as a step toward the resumption of full-fledged social and economic activities. Specifically, events such as concerts and exhibitions will be allowed to be held on the conditions that the maximum number of visitors will be 1,000 for both indoor and outdoor events, and also that they be kept below 50% of venue capacity. Professional sports events, which are likely to attract spectators from across the nation, should be held without spectators.

Places where clusters of infections have occurred — such as live music venues and eating and drinking establishments where workers are in close contact with customers — will no longer be asked not to resume operations, as long as they follow industry guidelines that call for preventive measures.