Japan aerobatics team show support for key workers

A Japanese aerobatics team performed a demonstration over Tokyo on Friday to show support and gratitude for medical workers fighting against the coronavirus.

The Blue Impulse squadron of six aircraft flew for about 20 minutes over hospitals in the Japanese capital to thank doctors, nurses and other medical staff for their tireless efforts during the outbreak.

The government has been campaigning to support medical workers, who have been among main targets of discrimination and harassment amid fear of infections.

Japan declared an end to a seven-week coronavirus state of emergency on Monday, with more people returning to work and businesses gradually resuming despite fear of a resurgence of cases.

Japan came out of the emergency with fewer cases and deaths than many European countries and the United States, despite a soft approach that only involved requests for social distancing and some business closures.

Japan has about 16,719 cases and 874 deaths as of Thursday, according to the health ministry.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

But the virus is highly contagious and can be spread by those with mild or no visible symptoms.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.

The Blue Impulse team last performed in March at a welcome ceremony for the Olympic torch before the Games, due to be held in Tokyo in 2020, were postponed until next year.

The last time the display team flew over central Tokyo was in 2014 for the farewell ceremony of the capital's National Stadium, which was to be torn down for the building of a new stadium for the Olympics.