(On the number of new infections in Tokyo reaching a record high)

We have just held a meeting of the relevant ministers. As you mentioned, the number of infections in Tokyo is the largest ever, and new cases have been increasing nationwide.

According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the proportion of the elderly aged 65 and over to new infections is between 2 percent and 3 percent, and those in their 30s and younger account for approximately 70 percent. On the other hand, a growing number of patients in their 40s and 50s have been hospitalized, and the ratio of the Delta strain has risen sharply. Therefore, we decided to start with analysis, including the situation in the four-day holiday and the flow of people.

We also confirmed that we will work closely together with local governments to prevent infections with a strong sense of alarm and going forward, make full use of a new medicine that reduces the risk of developing severe symptoms by 70 percent, as we have secured such medicine.

In any event, under these circumstances, we ask once again for people to refrain from non-essential, non-urgent outings and, as for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, request the public to watch the Games via TV and other media.