Regarding the new mutant virus "Omicron strain" of the new corona, Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Goto said in NHK's "Sunday Debate" that sufficient information has not yet been obtained, such as whether it is likely to become severe if infected. , Asked for understanding on strengthening border measures to prevent invasion from overseas.
In this, Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Goto said about "Omicron strain", "There is no experimental evaluation yet at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, and there is no information enough to make an epidemiological evaluation."
After that, he said, "In the uncertainties, we are working to strengthen measures at the water's edge by first suppressing the entry of foreign countries at the water's edge," and asked for their understanding.
Regarding future socio-economic activities, he said, "We are not in a situation where we can say what to do immediately."
On the other hand, Minister Goto said about the third vaccination, "In consideration of future changes in infection status, the preparation status of local governments, and the supply capacity of vaccines, if necessary, advance the principle of vaccination after 8 months. We will also consider it. "
"There is no problem with the total supply of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, but it is a little difficult to have them choose freely even after 8 months of vaccination," he said.