Establishment of a task force headquarters based on the New Corona Special Measures Law `` Emergency Declaration '' enabled

Established emergency response headquarters based on the New Corona Special Measures Law March 26 15:53 ​​possible

In response to the surge of new coronavirus infections in Tokyo, the government decided to establish a `` Government Task Force '' based on the special measures law that was enacted earlier in the afternoon cabinet meeting on the afternoon on the 26th. I decided. If there is any danger that it will have a significant impact on people's lives and the economy, the Prime Minister will be able to make an “Emergency Declaration”.

Prime Minister Abe met with Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Kato and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Rehabilitation Nishimura at the Prime Minister's Office on the 26th at noon on the 26th, and in light of the rapidly increasing number of people infected with the new coronavirus in Tokyo, Was reported to be "highly prone to spread".

In response, Prime Minister Abe has decided to establish a “Government Headquarters” based on the Special Measures Law enacted earlier, in preparation for unexpected situations such as the explosion of infected people. The government decided to set up a "Government Task Force" on the afternoon of a cabinet meeting on the afternoon on the 26th.

The government will hold its first meeting in the evening of the Prime Minister's Office on Friday, with Prime Minister Abe expected to instruct Prime Minister Nishimura, who is in charge of the Special Measures Law, to formulate a "Basic Policy".

If the establishment of the Response Headquarters could have a dramatic effect on national life and the economy due to rapid and nationwide spread, the Prime Minister will be able to make an "Emergency Declaration".

However, the government has a policy of listening to the opinions of experts and judging carefully with the prefectural governors in advance.

What happens when the “Headquarters” is established?

The Government Response Headquarters is based on the Special Measures Act on New Coronavirus Countermeasures enacted this month.

One of the procedures for the Prime Minister to prepare for issuing an “Emergency Declaration” is that if the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare recognizes that “there is a high risk of spread”, the Prime Minister will report to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet will decide the establishment.

When the “Government Headquarters” is established, the “Headquarters Headquarters” will also be established in each prefecture.

At first, the government was making adjustments to install it this weekend, but due to the rapidly increasing number of infected people in Tokyo, it was decided to install it on the 26th.

The Headquarters will decide to formulate a “Basic Response Policy” that includes the government's general policy on new coronaviruses, including experts in advance, except in emergency cases. It is stipulated that you consult the Advisory Committee.

An "Emergency Declaration" can only be made if there is a risk of seriously harming the lives and health of the people, or if there is a possibility that the nation's rapid spread could have a significant impact on people's lives and the economy. The government has a policy of listening to the opinions of experts and judging carefully with the prefectural governors in advance.

What is "Basic Policy"

The “Basic Response Policy” is formulated by the “Government Response Headquarters” based on the Special Measures Law on Countermeasures against New Coronaviruses, and includes the virus outbreak situation, the overall government policy, and important matters related to the implementation of countermeasures Is supposed to.

Last month, the government decided on a “Basic Policy on Countermeasures” in preparation for the spread of infection. Based on the recommendations of the Experts' Meeting, it is anticipated that measures to prevent expansion and strengthen the system for providing medical care will be included.

In formulating the "Basic Response Policy", it is required to consult with an advisory committee of experts, except in the case of emergency, and it is required that the policy be immediately publicized and widely known after the formulation. I am.

What is an “Emergency Declaration”?

When making an “Emergency Declaration”, there are cases where there is a possibility that the lives and health of the people will be seriously damaged, and cases where there is a possibility that the nation's rapid spread will have a significant effect on the people's lives and the economy. , Both requirements must be met. In addition, procedures such as consulting the Advisory Committee, which is made up of infectious disease experts, are necessary.

Then, when making an “Emergency Declaration”, the Prime Minister specifies the period and area for emergency measures and issues a declaration.

In response, prefectural governors in the target area will be able to request residents to cooperate in the prevention of infection, including self-restraint, except when necessary to maintain their lives.

In addition to requesting and giving instructions such as closing schools and restricting the use of facilities where a large number of people gather, such as department stores and movie theaters, if necessary, land and buildings can be prepared to provide temporary medical facilities. Can be used without the consent of the owner.

In addition, in an emergency, the carrier can request and direct the delivery of medicines and medical devices, and if necessary, expropriate medicines.

In the event that an “Emergency Declaration” is issued, the government will make careful judgments in addition to the opinions of experts and coordinating with the prefectural governors in advance, taking into account the fact that the government has strong authority. .