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On March 10, 2020, the Prime Minister attended the Liaison Meeting of the Government and Ruling Parties at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
 
“The outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading across the world. In Japan, new infections have been confirmed every day as well. Experts are of the view that we will be at a critical moment over the coming one to two weeks regarding whether the outbreak spreads rapidly or is controlled. Under the current situation, we have to remain vigilant and cannot let down our guard.
 
It is truly an extremely important moment regarding whether the rapid spread of the outbreaks can be avoided. Based on such recognition, we are employing all possible measures while seeking the cooperation of the public. At the same time, in order to prepare for the possibility of worst-case scenarios such as the rapid spread of the outbreak, today we will submit a bill to amend the Act on Special Measures for Pandemic Influenza and New Infectious Diseases Preparedness and Response to the Diet, which will enable the declaration of a state of emergency and other measures.
 
I ask for your cooperation for its enactment as soon as possible, so as to protect the lives and health of the public.
 
Furthermore, along with the prevention of the spread of infections, in the field of the economy, we will exert every effort, prioritizing the protection of employment and business continuation above all for the time being.
 
In addition to the first batch of emergency measures, which was recently compiled, we are currently making the final adjustments to compile the second batch of measures, taking into consideration the proposals from the ruling parties as well. We will include necessary measures in it, such as the creation of a new subsidy for parents who have been forced to take leave from work due to temporary school closures, the development of medical treatment structures, and strong liquidity support with interest-free, unsecured loans for micro, small and medium enterprises among others. The package will be decided today.
 
Amidst growing uncertainty on the outlook of the global economy, financial markets also appear to be highly sensitive. The Government intends to work closely with authorities of other countries and the Bank of Japan and, if necessary, respond accordingly following the agreements made by the G7 and G20 (Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy).
 
We will determine and implement the necessary measures without hesitation, looking beyond the situation that is changing day by day, and prioritizing the protection of the lives and health of the public. To that end, I ask for your continued cooperation.
 
Tomorrow marks the ninth anniversary since the Great East Japan Earthquake. The memorial ceremony hosted by the Government will regrettably be cancelled from the perspective of preventing the spread of infections. However, March 11 is a day that we will never forget and should never forget. Tomorrow, we will observe the moment of silence, and pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the disaster at the Prime Minister’s Office. I will also offer memorial remarks there.
 
Last weekend, I visited some of the affected areas in Fukushima. I had an opportunity to see for myself the steady progress of reconstruction advanced by the hard work of local communities. At the same time, reconstruction of Fukushima requires a medium- and long-term response. While the reconstruction and revitalization period is reaching the final year, the Government will continue to stand on the frontline and do everything possible until the day that we see the reconstruction of Fukushima.
 
In order to achieve reconstruction under political responsibility and leadership, we have submitted a bill to extend the mandate of the Reconstruction Agency for another 10 years to the Diet. I ask for the cooperation of the ruling parties towards its early enactment, so that the people affected by the disaster can continue carrying out reconstruction work with peace of mind.
 
Yesterday, North Korea once again launched what appeared to be a ballistic missile. Such repeated provocations represent a serious challenge to Japan and to the international community, and are never tolerated. While analyzing the situation in North Korea, we intend to respond firmly, closely collaborating with the international community, in particular, with the United States and the Republic of Korea.
 
In the Diet, the budget for next fiscal year has been passed in the House of Representatives thanks to your efforts, and is currently under deliberation in the House of Councillors. It is important to steadily implement comprehensive economic measures of 26 trillion yen to address the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on the overall economy. I intend to dedicate myself to providing a thorough explanation with a sense of urgency so as to enact the budget for the next fiscal year at the earliest day possible, which is indispensable for the implementation of these measures, and alleviating the anxiety among the public.
 
I ask for your continued cooperation.”