Residents of Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo prefectures are expressing relief that businesses are reopening but concern it could lead to a second wave of coronavirus infections in the heart of the Kansai region.
Department stores that had closed, as well as shopping arcades, began reopening Friday morning. At many, customers were greeted by staff wearing not only white masks, but also clear plastic face shields and bottles of liquid disinfectant at the entrance. Some facilities limited the number of people who could enter at one time and were conducting temperature checks on customers to ensure they were not feverish.
Movie theaters reopened as well, with one theater in Osaka putting up posters indicating that tickets will be sold with one empty seat in between and asking visitors to wear masks.