Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

REPORTER: I have a question about the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). According to the U.S. media, a participant in the clinical trials for the vaccine being jointly developed by AstraZeneca has experienced serious side effects, resulting in the suspension of the U.S. trials. The Japanese Government has agreed to receive a supply of 120 million vaccines from AstraZeneca. Could you please clarify the facts behind the reports and share your views on whether this incident will impact the Government’s outlook of administering vaccinations from early next year?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, it has been reported to me that the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is obtaining the details from said company. In any case, the Government’s aim is to secure the necessary supply of vaccines to be able to cover all citizens by the first half of 2021. When an application for the approval of a vaccine is submitted in Japan, the Government will appropriately assess it from the perspective of ensuring efficacy and safety, based on clinical trial and other data and the latest scientific knowledge.
 
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REPORTER: […] I would like to ask about the loosening of restrictions on the number of spectators for events. I believe that these restrictions are to remain in place until the end of September, but does the Government have any intention of loosening them by as early as September 19, which marks the start of a multi-day holiday weekend?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I explained yesterday, the Government sought the views of the experts of its subcommittee (on COVID-19 countermeasures) at the end of August, and decided, for the time being, to uphold the current limits on the percentage of capacity or the number of people until the end of September. In the meantime, if the situation is deemed to be settling down, the Government will review the restrictions. The Government will continue to respond accordingly while consulting the experts.
 
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