[Title] [COVID-19] Press Conference by the Prime Minister on the partial lifting of the Declaration of the State of Emergency

(On the partial lifting of the declaration of the state of emergency)

Thanks to the significant cooperation from the citizens, we are seeing the impact that is apparent and the decrease of new infection cases. We assessed the situation in each area individually, and at the meeting of the Novel Coronavirus Response Headquarters that was just held, the decision was taken to lift the declaration of the state of emergency in six prefectures as of February 28.

But despite this, I ask that people maintain a sense of urgency and be diligent in preventing infections from spreading. Also, regarding the remaining prefectures of Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama, namely the 4 prefectures of the Metropolitan area, despite the decreasing number of new cases, the situation surrounding the medical treatment structure in these areas remains severe. Therefore, first of all, we will continue to thoroughly implement shortened business hours in dining and drinking establishments.

With respect to the four prefectures I mentioned just now, later we will again assess whether or not to lift the declaration. We will do whatever we should do in a thoroughgoing manner to prevent the spread of infections, including the shortening of business hours of dining and drinking establishments, so that we can lift the declaration in all of the remaining areas on March 7. The Government is considering all possibilities, but what is most important right now is to lift the declaration nationwide on March 7 by thoroughly carrying out measures to prevent infections.

(On the Prime Minister not holding a formal press conference today)

The situation regarding Ms. Yamada, Cabinet Public Relations Secretary, has nothing whatsoever to do with it. Needless to say, she answered questions at the Diet yesterday. As I mentioned earlier, until March 7, while the declaration is in effect, it is absolutely imperative to thoroughly implement measures to prevent the spread of infections while maintaining a sense of urgency. From that perspective, I believe that I should hold a press conference in order to address the declaration of the state of emergency in its entirety, once a decision is made after we have assessed the situation to the very end. In fact, when we lifted the declaration for the Kansai region last year, a press conference was not held and questions were answered in this kind of informal setting.

(On the decision to have Ms. Yamada continue in her position)

With regard to the case of Ms. Yamada, a member of my family is connected to the matter. Therefore, so as not to give rise to any doubts among the public regarding fairness, I refrained from directly speaking to her on this matter. She was strongly reprimanded by the Chief Cabinet Secretary.

(On the Prime Minister's political responsibility regarding the dinner scandals of senior officials of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)

I understand that strict disciplinary measures have been taken by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. It is extremely regrettable that these cases significantly harm the public's trust in the Government. We must address these cases in a thoroughgoing manner once again so that the Government is able to meet the expectations of the public.

(On the Prime Minister not holding a formal press conference today)

Today, I am holing a stake-out conference in this fashion. As I mentioned earlier, I do believe that I must hold a formal press conference at the stage when we are able to clearly explain the prospects for Japan as a whole.

(On answering questions from the press in a stake-out setting today)

I am responding to questions that you need an answer for.

(On the Prime Minister not holding a formal press conference today)

Four prefectures, centered on Tokyo, are still facing an extremely severe situation. We consider it imperative to implement thoroughgoing measures right now so that we are able to lift the declaration in these four prefectures on the ending date of March 7. It was in that context that I decided to hold a press conference looking at the situation from a national perspective. In any case, it won't be long before the time comes to hold such a press conference.

(On Ms. Yamada remaining in her position)

My answer is the same as the one I gave you here yesterday.

(On the Prime Minister not holding a formal press conference today)

Prior to that, there was a request for a press conference to be held.

Not long from now, there will be an opportunity to hold a formal press conference to address the issues of the four prefectures, including Tokyo, as a whole and also address matters from a national perspective. It is important that I answer questions assiduously at that time.

(On the lifting of the declaration of the state of emergency in Fukuoka Prefecture)

The decision was appropriate. The number of new cases per capita is decreasing significantly. That is a fact. Hospital bed occupancy ratios are also decreasing, and they meet the relevant criteria.

(On future economic assistance)

I think we will consider various things including such points, but we do need some time to examine the matter.

(On future economic assistance for areas outside the prefectures subject to the declaration of the state of emergency)

When comparing Japan's response with that of other countries, we have limited our scope in a sense and implemented streamlined measures under the declaration of the state of emergency. Against this backdrop, we have placed burdens on a wide range of people, including owners of dining and drinking establishments. In that context, my feeling that the Government must extend as much support as possible remains exactly the same.

(On concerns over another outbreak of infections)

I think we must also value the views of the prefectural governors. Amidst the decentralization of power, we have decided on the criteria to be used by the national government, and each prefecture has met these criteria. I believe that each prefectural governor will not terminate the shortening of business hours entirely in the immediate future, but instead move forward responsibly, for example, proposing an extension of business hours to 9 PM, in line with the views of their local communities.

(On the concerns over another outbreak being caused by the early lifting of the declaration of the state of emergency)

We have decided upon various criteria and each prefecture has met these criteria. Given that, I expect that each local leader is considering various approaches so as to implement countermeasures in a thoroughgoing manner without letting their guard down, rather than immediately ending the measure of shortening business hours to 8 PM. They will consult with the national government and we will make all-out efforts to prevent the spread of infections.

(On the status of the supply of vaccines for the elderly)

I think Minister Kono mentioned in his press conference that it could be by the end of June. I consider his statement very clear. My Cabinet works in unity.

(On disciplinary measures taken internally by Tohokushinsha Film Corporation)

I am not aware of the situation. I imagine the company is acting responsibly.

(On the effectiveness of the vaccines)

We consider vaccines to be very effective for mitigating COVID-19. Indeed, in countries which have already commenced inoculations, the vaccines have shown, for example, a 95% effectiveness. In Japan too, the vaccination of health professionals has already begun. Safety for the elderly is our priority. Today, Minsiter Kono mentioned that we will be able to deliver vaccines for all of the elderly by the end of June. We would like to do our utmost to deliver the vaccine to everyone as early as possible. I believe such efforts will make the citizens feel assured and provide them with hope.

(On the status of the supply of vaccines for the elderly)

What I said was that vaccines will be delivered to all of the elderly by the end of June. Once we reach that stage, there will be some excess capacity in supply. In any case, it is essential to administer vaccines as early as possible.

(On the impacts upon the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games)

How to address those issues, including what to do regarding spectators, has not yet been decided. The Organizing Committee will address those matters appropriately, working with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

(On the dinner scandals of senior officials of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)

In any case, the actions to be taken are stipulated in the National Public Service Ethics Act. It is a matter of course to adhere to the act thoroughly and responsibly when attending receptions.

(On the dinner scandals of senior officials of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)

I think it is essential to adhere to the Ethics Act in a thoroughgoing manner.

(On the answers by Mr. Nogami, Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, at the Diet)

I do not know the exact context in which Minister Nogami made such a statement, so I would like to refrain from making a comment on that. In any case, when it comes to such third-party committees, it is natural to wait until the direction to be taken is clear.

(On the purpose of entertaining via dinners and the anticipated returns)

I think that is why rules have been put in place.

(On the difference between formal press conferences and ones in a doorstep setting)

I think that is something you in the press should think about. With regard to a formal press conference, I said I should refrain from commenting from a national perspective as prime minister, as the course of action towards lifting the declaration in the Metropolitan area has not yet been decided. There are still several days to go until March 7 and I think it is essential to exert every effort so that we are able to lift the declaration in these four prefectures.

(On the forthcoming formal press conference)

Well, I have my own schedule. But it seems you have almost run out of questions. I see that you have been asking similar questions.