The weekslong COVID-19 saga has ignited an outpouring of criticism both at home and abroad over the containment measures — or lack thereof — that Japan has been taking to curb the spread of the potentially deadly pathogen.
What some critics slam as Japan's lax and tardy initial response has highlighted the more draconian steps countries other than China are taking to contain the crisis.
Italy, for one, was quick to place 11 towns comprising 50,000 residents under lockdown and deploy the military to stand guard. Reports say residents who step outside will be slapped with fines or up to three months of imprisonment.