Canon has temporarily closed its headquarters in Tokyo as a result of the worsening coronavirus crisis in Japan. Several other Canon offices have also closed their doors.
Canon announced on Tuesday April 7 that it will “temporarily suspend operations” in various offices until May 6. The initial announcement said that the closure would be until April 17 but has since been extended. As well as its Tokyo headquarters and four other offices in Kanagawa, Canon has also taken the step of closing two plants.
Canon adds that there have been no infections amongst its employees at any of its offices. It also notes that it will be continuing to revise its response to the coronavirus crisis, prioritizing the safety of its staff, customers, and neighboring businesses.
Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, announced a month-long state of emergency on Tuesday as the worsening rate of infection prompted the government to rethink the country’s strategy. He also unveiled a stimulus package that is intended to help the country navigate the inevitable economic consequences. Non-essential workers are being asked to stay at home and the Japanese public has been asked to avoid contact with other people as much as possible. “Some areas are under pressure,” Abe explained, “so we don’t have the luxury of time.”
