The 17-day state of emergency that began yesterday to curb an uptick in Covid-19 cases is casting a shadow on the upcoming Golden Week holiday that runs April 29 to May 5, Japan Times reports.

The restrictions apply to Tokyo, Osaka, Hyogo and Kyoto, populous prefectures and what would otherwise be tourist hotspots this time of year. Government officials have urged citizens to stay home and cancel their travel plans. 

Department stores are expected to take a huge hit: unlike the second state of emergency in January, large shopping locations are being asked to close. The government will pay a 200,000 yen (around $1,855) daily sum to operators of large premises that comply with closure instructions, but the amount will likely pale in comparison to the losses stores are expected to suffer.