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The Prime Minister in Action
51st Meeting of the Novel Coronavirus Response Headquarters
January 7, 2021
Photograph of the Prime Minister making a statement (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister making a statement (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister making a statement (3)
Photograph of the Prime Minister making a statement (4)
Photograph of the Prime Minister making a statement (5)
Photograph of the Prime Minister making a statement (6)
Photograph of the Prime Minister making a statement (7)
[Provisional Translation]
On January 7, 2021, the Prime Minister held the 51st meeting of the Novel Coronavirus Response Headquarters at the Prime Minister’s Office.
At the meeting, the participants discussed the response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Following the discussion, the Prime Minister said:
“Since the New Year’s holidays, the daily number of new cases of novel coronavirus infections has remained extremely high. We have a strong sense of urgency, as the recent situation has become even more severe nationwide, in particular, with Tokyo exceeding 2,400 new cases today.
Against this backdrop, this morning’s meeting of the Advisory Committee on the Basic Action Policy provided the opinion that a situation has emerged that could greatly impact the daily lives of the people and the national economy through the rapid and nationwide spread of infections of COVID-19.
Hereby, in accordance with the Act on Special Measures for Pandemic Influenza and New Infectious Diseases Preparedness and Response, we issue a declaration of a state of emergency.
The period during which the emergency situation measures are being implemented is one month, from January 8 to February 7, 2021. The four prefectures of Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo and Kanagawa will be subject to the declaration.
At the press conference following this meeting, I will also address to the nation; based on our experience until now, we intend to carry out relevant measures in a thoroughgoing manner, focusing on areas that are effective. In this regard, we will implement a package consisting of the following four measures: shortening the operating hours of dining and drinking establishments; reducing the number of people commuting to the office by 70%, through teleworking; refraining from going out after 8 p.m.; restricting the number of people attending an event.
Concerning the Go To Travel campaign, its suspension will be upheld throughout the duration of the state of emergency.
The Government gives the highest priority to the protection of the lives and livelihoods of citizens. We intend to implement all possible measures to prevent the further spread of infections, while collaborating closely with prefectural governments."
