[Title] Press Conference by the Prime Minister on the Visit to COVID-19 Vaccination Sites for Workplace Vaccination Program and Other Matters

(On the visit to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination sites for workplace vaccination program, etc.)

As full-scale vaccinations have started in companies and universities today, I visited Japan Post Group and Toranomon Hills Mori Tower. At Japan Post Group, front-line postal and logistic workers in particular took vaccines, while at Mori Building Co., Ltd., workers at tenants and those serving many customers received inoculations. I also heard that vaccinations have enabled people to feel emotionally secure at work. In any event, we would like to further accelerate vaccinations at companies and universities that began today.

The number of vaccine doses administered over the last week is 7.9 million, with a daily average exceeding 1 million. As of now, the number of total vaccinations stands at 31 million. Applications from companies, universities, and other organizations cover 13 million people at 3,400 locations as of the other day. Taking these facts into account, we have high hopes that inoculations will further gather pace.

Vaccinations are the trump card against infectious diseases. Therefore, their thorough implementation will significantly reduce the risk that the elderly will develop severe symptoms, and we expect that it will alleviate the burden on medical institutions.

In addition, I renewed my determination that the Government must make all-out efforts so that, among young people and workers who are in their prime, those who want receive vaccinations can do so at the earliest possible time. Thank you.