From the 25th of this month to the 11th of next month, the government will declare a state of emergency for the four prefectures of Tokyo, Osaka, Hyogo, and Kyoto, and will apply "priority measures such as prevention of spread" to Ehime prefecture. Decided.
Regarding the countermeasures against the new coronavirus, the government opened a countermeasures headquarters at the Prime Minister's Office from 6:30 pm on the 23rd, and Prime Minister Suga, Minister for Economic Revitalization Nishimura and Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Tamura attended.
Among them, Prime Minister Suga said, "The number of newly infected people nationwide has continued to increase since last month, and the medical care provision system is in an unprecedentedly severe situation in Osaka and Hyogo prefectures. In Osaka and Hyogo prefectures, it accounts for about 80% of infected people, and in Tokyo, it has increased to about 30%. "
Then, from the 25th of this month to the 11th of next month, we will issue a state of emergency for the four prefectures of Tokyo, Osaka, Hyogo, and Kyoto, and have decided to apply "priority measures such as spread prevention" to Ehime prefecture. did.
It has also been decided to extend the deadline until May 5 to 11 days for Miyagi and Okinawa prefectures to which the "priority measures" have already been applied.
Prime Minister Suga said, "This state of emergency declares that as a short-term intensive measure for Golden Week, we will strengthen measures for eating and drinking and take strong measures to temporarily stop the flow of people."
Specifically, ▽ requested restaurants to stop providing alcoholic beverages and karaoke facilities, ▽ requested department stores and theme parks to be closed, and ▽ requested that events and sports be closed in principle, ▽ He expressed his intention to reduce the number of employees by 70% by teleworking and taking vacations.
On top of that, regarding support measures for businesses that are affected, "In addition to food and drink and accommodation, which have a large impact on cash flow, we will promptly and thoroughly implement repayment grace and new loans for retail and cultural relations. We will provide cooperation fees and lump-sum payments to restaurants, large-scale facilities that respond to requests for closure, and businesses whose sales have declined. "
Prime Minister Suga said, "Based on today's decision, I would like each minister to do everything in his power to curb infection, such as by thoroughly teleworking staff and working with the industry in charge to curb the flow of people." I instructed.
Prime Minister Kan held a press conference to prospect the 23:00 pm 8, last year in April, along with seeking to understand and explain, such as why it is determined the issue of this year in January followed by the third time to become declaration, national We are calling for cooperation such as refraining from going out.
The government wants to reduce the flow of people and control infections by intensively taking stronger measures in line with the long holidays when many people are closed for work or school.
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries "Supermarkets continue to operate calm purchasing behavior"
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, foodstuffs including rice and wheat are sufficiently secured. "Even in areas where an emergency declaration has been issued, supermarkets and convenience stores will continue to operate. Consumers should not buy them. I would like to ask for calm purchasing behavior without rushing to buy. "
Japan Chain Stores Association "Each supermarket has products calmly"
The Japan Chain Stores Association, which is made at supermarkets nationwide, says, "Each supermarket has products, and if you shop as usual, the products will not run out, so I want you to act calmly." We are urging consumers not to do such things.