(On the handling of the priority measures to prevent the spread of disease and response to the nationwide spread of the infection)

Let me first point out that the infection is spreading rapidly due to the highly infectious Delta strain. Under such circumstances, we have decided to apply the priority measures to prevent the spread of the disease to eight more prefectures based on a comprehensive assessment of the number of infected cases and the status of hospital beds in each of those prefectures. The measures include banning in principle the serving of alcohol at eating and drinking establishments, promoting teleworking and ensuring that people refrain from non-essential, non-urgent outings. In addition, vaccinations are progressing at a pace of 1.5 million doses per day since the beginning of this month. By making sure that all those initiatives are implemented, we hope to prevent the further spread of the infection.

Given the importance of preventing the further spread of the infection throughout the country, our overall response this time around is based on our assessment of hospital beds and the status of the infection, with a primary focus on key facilities in the country.