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On March 10, 2020, the Prime Minister attended an extraordinary meeting of the FY2019 Forum for Consultations between the National and Local Governments, held at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
At the meeting, consultations were conducted on the response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
 
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
 
“I express my sincere appreciation to the representatives of the Six Local Government Organizations for taking time out from your busy schedules to attend this meeting in spite of the sudden notice.
 
Today, we have convened this meeting to discuss the response to the novel coronavirus (COVID 19).
 
Just recently, we have requested all elementary schools, junior high schools and senior high schools as well as schools for special needs education across the country to close temporarily.
 
With regard to this request, it was a decision made given the circumstances, whereby these one to two weeks are a critical moment, and we could not afford to take our time so as to ensure the safety and health of children. We are very sorry for not being able to provide sufficient explanation in advance to children attending school or local communities.
 
Amidst such a situation, stakeholders are exerting every effort to respond to this sudden request across the country. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for those efforts.
 
Today, we have compiled the second batch of emergency response measures aimed at preventing the spread of infections in Japan and enabling the Government to exert every effort to respond to the situation, with emphasis on the development of preventive measures and medical treatment structures, responses to issues caused by the temporary elementary school closures, responses to shrinking businesses and employment protection, and emergency measures that are ready for changes in the situation, as its pillars.
 
Furthermore, the Government has determined that we need to work on another layer of legal framework, including the declaration of a state of emergency. To that end, we have today submitted an amendment to the Diet to include novel coronavirus in the scope of the Act on Special Measures for Pandemic Influenza and New Infectious Diseases Preparedness and Response.
 
Going forward, we will continue to employ necessary measures without hesitation.
 
There are still many unknowns about this virus. Towards complete containment, it is necessary for not only the national government, but also for local governments, medical professionals, business operators, and the public to work together to further advance our efforts.
 
It is important for the national and local governments to stand united and respond firmly. I would like to hear your candid views today, and incorporate your views into our policies. Thank you for your cooperation.”