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Coronavirus

Japan's COVID penalty law: five things to know

Tokyo makes first move to impose rules with fines as Olympics nears

A medical personnel works at the Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital, the frontline of the fight against the coronavirus disease in Tokyo. (Photo by Kosaku Mimura)

TOKYO -- Japan, in full reversal of its voluntary compliance approach, enacted bills on Wednesday to fine violators of social distancing rules, as the country sharply steps up its fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

The bills were passed by the Diet late Wednesday and are expected to take effect mid-February, giving the public short notice.

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