The government soon opened a new coronavirus countermeasures headquarters and lifted the state of emergency issued in 10 prefectures in 9 prefectures except Okinawa, of which 7 prefectures such as Tokyo and Osaka emphasized prevention of spread. Decide to move to action.
On the morning of the 17th, the "Basic Coping Policy Subcommittee" made up of experts on infectious diseases canceled the state of emergency issued to 10 prefectures by 9 prefectures except Okinawa on the 20th of this month. Of these, seven prefectures, including Tokyo and Osaka, have approved the government's policy of shifting to priority measures such as prevention of spread until the 11th of next month.
In addition, after continuing to request restaurants in the areas to which the priority measures are applied to shorten business hours by 8:00 pm, alcoholic beverages can be served until 7:00 pm on the premise of thorough infection control measures, while at the governor's discretion. We also acknowledged the policy that the provision can be stopped.
In response to this, the Minister for Economic Revitalization Nishimura made a preliminary report in the Diet and said, "If necessary according to the infection situation, we will respond flexibly to the state of emergency and priority measures without hesitation. While accelerating vaccination, we will work closely with prefectures to curb the spread of infection at all costs. "
The government will open a response headquarters at 5 pm, lift the declaration in 9 prefectures, and decide to shift 7 prefectures to priority measures.
Kan Prime Minister, held a press conference to prospect the 17:00 pm 7, explained the reason to cancel the declaration, will continue to have decided to call for cooperation to the public.