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On January 31, 2020, the Prime Minister held the second meeting of the Novel Coronavirus Response Headquarters at the Diet.
 
At the meeting, a discussion was held on the response to the novel coronavirus.
 
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
 
“Early in the morning, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a ‘Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)’ with regard to the infectious disease related to the novel coronavirus. It is an emergency situation that the outbreak is reaching across the world. With a strong sense of crisis that urgent responses are needed, we intend to strengthen fundamentally various measures.
 
The first priority must be given to the prevention of the outbreak. Three days ago, we designated the infectious disease related to the novel coronavirus a Designated Infectious Disease under the Act on the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients with Infectious Diseases. While we initially planned to enforce this designation from February 7, we have now decided to bring enforcement forward to tomorrow, February 1; we will deny entry of individuals who are infected by the virus in accordance with the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. Furthermore, it is also necessary to strengthen immigration controls to respond to the cases in which infection has not been confirmed. Based on the fact that individuals have tested positive for the virus with or without symptoms, we must further improve the effectiveness of border controls. I ask the relevant ministers to swiftly engage in considerations on the operation of such controls, based on the Immigration Control Act.
 
With regard to the return of Japanese nationals living in Wuhan to Japan, 149 people also returned to Japan today, following January 29 and 30. We will advance arrangements for any remaining people who wish to return to Japan, and take all possible measures to ensure proper health management of those who have returned and will return to Japan, including virus screening. .
 
The situation is continuously changing. Any responses constrained by past practices can never respond to this unprecedented crisis. I ask all of you to make decisions without hesitation and implement any measures deemed necessary. I also ask all the relevant ministers to bear this in mind and respond flexibly and swiftly, prioritizing the protection of the lives and health of the people.”