• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

On May 21, 2021, the Prime Minister held the 66th 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,

 “Today, it was decided that Okinawa Prefecture will be added to the areas covered by the declaration of a state of emergency for the period of May 23 to June 20 and finish implementing priority measures to prevent the spread of disease to Ehime Prefecture on May 22.

The number of new infections nationwide has hit the ceiling. However, we see large differences in the state of infections depending on the area, making it necessary to maintain a sense of urgency in proceeding with countermeasures. In light of these circumstances, Okinawa Prefecture, which has put in place priority measures since April 12, has seen a surge in the number of new infections, especially among younger people, while the availability of hospital beds remains under strain. Therefore, it is decided that the prefecture will be added to the areas covered by the declaration of the state of emergency.

We request each municipality, including Okinawa Prefecture, to thoroughly implement measures, including suspending the serving of alcohol and the offering of karaoke services at dining and drinking establishments.

Vaccinations will be the trump card within our measures to respond to infections. Thanks to even greater cooperation from local governments and medical practitioners, the vast majority of municipalities are now on schedule to finish inoculating elderly persons by the end of July. We will take all possible steps to enable the inoculation of many citizens, including the young, at the earliest possible time.

I ask each minister to continue to implement measures, following today’s decision.”