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On July 24, 2020, the Prime Minister spoke to the press at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Regarding the increasing number of new cases of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections, the Prime Minister said,

“First and foremost, we must conduct extensive testing. There is still room in screening capacity. We will collaborate with prefectural governments and promote the early detection and early treatment of those who are infected. 

The next is to prevent symptoms from deteriorating. We will make every possible effort to prevent infections to those who have a high risk of developing severe symptoms, such as patients with underlying conditions and the elderly, by strengthening screening capacity at medical institutions and care facilities for the elderly.

The people of Japan are in the midst of a four-day holiday. I ask the people once again to take thorough preventive measures such as avoiding the three Cs (closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings) and refraining from engaging in activities involving speaking in a loud voice.”

In addition, the Prime Minister said,

“Compared to the previous situation, the number of new cases is indeed increasing. We are closely monitoring the situation with a sense of urgency. Meanwhile, the situation is different, as the experts have indicated. We do not think we are in a situation in which we will issue a declaration of a state of emergency right now.”