Government "state of emergency" spread to 3 prefectures to control infection

In response to the new coronavirus, the government has decided to change its initial policy and issue a state of emergency in Hokkaido, Okayama, and Hiroshima.

We would like to accelerate vaccination, which is the decisive factor for infection control, and control infection while thoroughly implementing measures in the target area.

As the outbreak of the new coronavirus continues, the government has decided to issue a state of emergency for Hokkaido, Okayama, and Hiroshima on the 14th from the 16th to the 31st of May.

The government initially planned to utilize "priority measures such as spread prevention" for the three prefectures and take intensive measures in a limited area, but a subcommittee made up of experts needs to take stricter measures. Therefore, we decided to change the policy and issue a declaration in a hurry.

Prime Minister Suga explained, "The government has not changed its belief that it is an important time to stop the infection as the mutant strains spread, and made decisions with respect for the opinions of experts."

We have also decided to apply the "Priority Measures to Prevent Spread" to the three prefectures of Gunma, Ishikawa, and Kumamoto, and to set the period from 16th to May 13th.

As a result, the area covered by the state of emergency will be expanded from 6 prefectures to 9 prefectures, and the area covered by the "priority measures" will be expanded from 8 prefectures to 10 prefectures.

The government has a policy of responding flexibly by analyzing the situation in other areas where infection is spreading, while thoroughly implementing measures in the areas subject to declarations and priority measures, and vaccination is the decisive factor for infection control. I would like to accelerate the infection and control the infection.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Suga said at a press conference on the night of the 14th that the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics will be held. I think that I want to prepare well. "

The government is considering measures to prevent infections of athletes visiting from overseas and those involved in the tournament, including depriving the tournament ID and ordering them to move out if they do not follow the rules.