[Title] [COVID-19] Press Conference by the Prime Minister regarding the Decision to Implement Priority Measures to Prevent the Spread of Disease in Miyagi, Osaka and Hyogo Prefectures

(On the decision to implement priority measures, such as the prevention of the spread of disease in Miyagi, Osaka and Hyogo Prefectures)

The priority measures, such as the prevention of the spread of disease will be implemented intensively in limited areas for a limited period. Considering the fact that infections are spreading rapidly in certain areas such as Miyagi, Osaka, and Hyogo Prefectures, I have decided to take the measures after listening to the opinions of experts. The measures are aimed at preventing another declaration of a state of emergency and further spread of infections by shortening operating hours of dining and drinking establishments until 8 PM, imposing penalties to those that do not comply, conducting inspections, and such.

(On the consideration of another issuance of a state of emergency declaration)

The measures are implemented to prevent another declaration of a state of emergency and further spread of infections.

(On the factors behind a rebound of the infections)

I think it is necessary to ask experts to analyze the situation, however I am also aware that the spread of the variants is remarkably significant in Osaka and Hyogo Prefectures.

(On the responsibility for the situation that amounted to the implementation of the priority measures, such as the prevention of the spread of disease)

I believe that the most important thing is to prevent the spread of infections, at any rate.

(On deciding the amount of cooperation money for dining and drinking establishments in proportion to the size of their business)

I will be explaining this later, but during the Diet deliberations and other occasions, I was told that the payment should be based on the size of the business. In this context, we intend to respond as quickly as possible and in order to do so, we have decided to make the payment in reference to the size, sales and other factors.

(On whether the state of emergency in Osaka and Hyogo Prefectures was lifted too early)

It was February when the state of emergency was lifted. At that time, the number of infected cases was very small and after consulting with experts on the matter, we lifted the declaration of the state of emergency.

(On whether the state of emergency in Osaka and Hyogo Prefectures was lifted too early [follow-up question])

If you look back on the situation at that time, you can see the fact that the number of infected cases were on a significantly downward trend.

(On whether the measures taken by Osaka and Hyogo Prefectures and the Government were sufficient)

I don't know whether they were sufficient or not. But in any case, even after the state of emergency was lifted, Osaka Prefecture continued to take countermeasures in Osaka City including shortening operating hours [of dining and drinking establishments] until 9 PM. And staring this April, such countermeasures were to be applied to the entire prefecture, and this time, Osaka Prefecture ended up deciding to shorten the operating hours until 8 PM just for themselves.

(On the gathering involving Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Manabu Sakai)

I know nothing about the matter. I believe he will explain thoroughly later.

(On the gathering involving Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Manabu Sakai [follow-up question])

I believe he will explain in detail.

(On the cooperation money to be paid in proportion to the size of the business)

The payment has been made in a conventional manner so far, but we received various opinions by each party through the Diet deliberations. Thus, we have decided to make changes in the payment in consideration of the Government's role to implement whatever can be implemented.

(On whether the decision to pay cooperation money in proportion to the size of the business was made in response to the request from the Osaka Prefecture)

That's not the case. The Government made the decision.

(On the decision to lift the priority measures, such as the prevention of the spread of disease)

The priority measures, such as the prevention of the spread of disease will be flexibly implemented in limited areas. Therefore, we responded fairly quickly to the request of Osaka Prefecture. This was a flexible response. We hope that the measures will prevent the spread of infections, but in any case, we will closely monitor the situation and make efforts to prevent the spread of infections.

(On the implementation of the priority measures, such as the prevention of the spread of disease being taken in Tokyo)

As is the case with everything, we would like to make sure that the national and local governments make nationwide efforts to prevent the spread of infections while listening to the opinions of experts.

(On the torch relay in Osaka]

I believe that the event in Osaka has been cancelled. My understanding is that the Organizing Committee and the local organization in Osaka to hold the torch relay discussed and made that decision. I am sure that the event has been cancelled in Osaka.

(On holding the torch relays nationwide)

Osaka is designated to the area to implement priority measures, such as the prevention of the spread of disease so I believe that the decision was made by the City of Osaka.