TOKYO – A battle is brewing between a local governor trying to close down all businesses to contain COVID-19 and a central government hoping to minimize the economic impact.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike are wrangling over the extent of business restrictions, such as whether barbershops are essential businesses that should stay open.

This leaves business owners and local authorities in limbo at a crucial time for dealing with the outbreak. (Nikkei)