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  On April 10, 2020, the Prime Minister spoke to the press at the Prime Minister’s Office.

 Regarding arrangements with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in relation to requesting the temporary closure of businesses, the Prime Minister said,

  “We will do everything possible, in accordance with the law, to control the spread of infections. We will bring back those days as early as possible when we could talk and laugh together. The national government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government share this determination and both of us have worked on the final arrangements. I am pleased that we have reached to an agreement.

 Thanks to the extensive cooperation and diligent efforts of the people, such as teleworking, we have been significantly reducing people to people contact. Regarding night entertainment districts, I believe the number of people going out has greatly reduced in each district. Nevertheless, we still need to make even greater efforts. I ask for your continued cooperation so that we can protect each other’s lives, above all else.

 I know this is an inconvenience for you, but if we can reduce contact by at least 70%, ideally by 80%, then I am sure we can move away from the state of emergency after one month.

 I would like to once again ask for the cooperation of the public. Thank you.”