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central scrutinizer

(11,617 posts)
1. I was in Japan in March
Sat Aug 1, 2020, 11:03 AM
Aug 2020

I’d bought my ticket back in the fall and although the virus was spreading, I thought I was okay to still travel at that time (early March). There hadn’t been a single positive test in the prefecture (Ibaraki) where I spent most of my time. All incoming passengers were thermally screened at the airport. At least 50% of people on the street were masked and 100% of workers in stores were masked. I always wore a mask as a show of respect, courtesy and concern. Stores were open and well stocked (this was the time when Americans were panic hoarding toilet paper and other essentials). The number of tests at that time was low because I think Abe was desperate to keep the Olympics on schedule. That goal quickly evaporated as country after country went into lockdown. I was planning on staying until mid April but the situation was spiraling out of control and so many flights were being canceled that I flew back on the soonest flight I could get. I didn’t want to impose on my hosts. I hope my friends there are all okay. One is an elementary school teacher and she was back in the classroom (everybody is masked).

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