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On February 10, 2021, the Prime Minister attended a Liaison Meeting of the Government and Ruling Parties at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

“Concerning the declaration of the state of emergency, the Government decided on February 2 to extend its duration for one month until March 7 in 10 prefectures, excluding Tochigi Prefecture. I feel very sorry to have to place a further burden on the citizens. However, I believe that we must contain infections one way or another and made that decision.

The number of newly confirmed cases has fallen significantly over the past month, and this trend has become even more pronounced over the past week. Even in Tokyo, the number has fallen to less than 500 people for the third consecutive day yesterday.

However, the availability of hospital beds for COVID-19 patients continues to be stretched in many areas. We intend to thoroughly implement the countermeasures to date, which focus on dining and drinking establishments and further reduce the number of new infections so that the number of hospitalized patients and patients with severe symptoms will be reduced. At the same time, we will also continue to exert every effort to uphold the capacity of medical systems.  

The Government will continue to closely analyze the daily situation, listen to the views of experts, and make decisions on the necessary response under my charge. By obtaining cooperation from the ruling parties, the Government will work in unity with the ruling parties and engage in disease control with a sense of urgency, so as to ensure that we are firmly on the course to containing the disease.  

The amended Act on Special Measures for Pandemic Influenza and New Infectious Diseases Preparedness and Response will come into force this week, on February 13. While paying sufficient attention to the rights of individuals and business operators, we would like to improve the effectiveness of our countermeasures. I extend my appreciation to everyone in the ruling parties for the efforts to date.

Regarding vaccinations, after confirming its safety and efficacy, we will begin administering the vaccine from the middle of next week. The ruling parties have proposed a series of recommendations in this regard. It is vital to have the cooperation of local governments, who will oversee operations on site, as well as doctors and nurses. I will meet with the President of the Japan Medical Association this afternoon and ask for cooperation. We will continue to exert every effort to make thorough preparations.

In my first telephone talk with the Honorable Joseph R. Biden, President of the United States of America, after his inauguration, we agreed to cooperate closely on matters such as the realization of a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific,’ and the response to common challenges the international community faces, such as measures to tackle the novel coronavirus and climate change. We also confirmed our cooperation towards the early resolution of the abductions issue. I will work together with President Biden in a substantive way to further reinforce the Japan-U.S. Alliance while also deepening the personal relationship I have with him.

As we are facing various diplomatic concerns, such as the severe circumstances concerning the Japan and Republic of Korea relationship, the recent developments of China, which includes the entry into force of the Coast Guard Law, and the situation in Myanmar, the Government will act in a resolute and appropriate manner.

Thanks to the support of the ruling parties, the supplementary budget was approved in the Diet. I would like to thank all the members of the ruling parties once again for your dedicated efforts. We shall swiftly implement the economic measures, with a scale of 74 trillion yen, and aim to provide support as soon as possible to medical institutions, dining and drinking establishments, and everyone who is going through a difficult situation.

Furthermore, we are engaging in earnest deliberations on next fiscal year’s budget, and have also commenced deliberations on the tax law. Early enactment is necessary in order to proceed with seamless response and ensure peace of mind in everyday life. The Government intends to engage in the deliberations in the Diet with a sense of urgency and make exhaustive efforts in providing explanations.

I would like to ask for the further cooperation of the ruling parties going forward.”