[Title] Press Conference by the Prime Minister regarding the Decision to Implement Priority Measures, Such As for Prevention of the Spread of Disease, in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Okinawa Prefectures, and Other Matters

(On the decision to implement priority measures, such as for prevention of the spread of disease, in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Okinawa Prefectures)

In Tokyo, Kyoto, and Okinawa Prefectures, the number of new cases of infection has increased, and there are concerns about the strain on their systems for providing hospital care. Given this situation, having consulted with the experts, we have taken the decision to implement priority measures such as for prevention of the spread of disease. By taking intensive measures that include shortening the operating hours of dining and drinking establishments until 8 PM, applying penalties, and conducting patrols of all dining and drinking establishments, we will work to comprehensively prevent the spread of infections to avoid progressing to a declaration of a state of emergency.

(On the threat of coronavirus variants)

Although coronavirus variants exist, there are no changes to the fundamental measures for preventing infections. That being the case, we ask citizens to wear masks, wash their hands, and avoid the three Cs [of closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings], and furthermore at this time we also request that people refrain from non-essential, non-urgent travel between prefectures. With such measures in place, we will remain vigilant as we conduct our response.

(On declaring a state of emergency, should there be a spread of infections in the future)

I stated that just now, but we have now in fact taken priority measures, such as for preventing the spread of disease, under which penalties can be assessed, to avoid the situation progressing to a declaration of a state of emergency. We will take these measures while maintaining an exhaustive sense of vigilance. Moreover, we intend to implement response measures in advance, based on things including where the number of those new infections have started to increase, or the state of providing hospital beds.

(On applying priority measures, such as for prevention of the spread of disease, in Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa Prefectures and other places where infections are spreading)

Based on, first of all, the state of infections, as well as consultations with the governors of these three prefectures on the situation, at this juncture, we refrained from priority measures that include prevention of the spread of disease. Regardless, we will work to tackle the issue with a sense of vigilance.

(On people's activities during the upcoming string of public holidays while priority measures, such as for prevention of the spread of disease, are in place)

For every location where priority measures, such as those preventing the spread of disease, are in place, the term includes a string of public holidays. Despite that, we ask that people avoid non-essential, non-urgent travel as much as they possibly can.

(On the effectiveness of priority measures, such as for prevention of the spread of disease)

I stated this a little earlier, but we do think that the patrols which have come to be very thoroughgoing thanks to these measures are truly vital, and these are measures that simultaneously provide for penalties. Accordingly, we very much ask for everyone's cooperation going forward.

(On differences between the declaration of a state of emergency and the priority measures, such as for prevention of the spread of disease, put in place at this juncture)

We want people to refrain from traveling between prefectures to the greatest possible extent. We are additionally requesting such efforts because new coronavirus variants have emerged.

(On administering vaccines to the elderly)

At last, from the 12th, the prefectures will begin administering vaccines to the elderly. Local governors have been telling us they want us to proceed with those vaccinations gradually. It is against that backdrop that we will finally begin, and since the administration of this vaccine is highly effective, we will work to enable many people to receive it as soon as possible.