[Title] Press Conference by the Prime Minister on the Number of New Infections of the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Tokyo

(On the number of new infections of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Tokyo)

First of all, many parts of the country have continued to see the largest number of new infections. Accordingly, the number of patients with severe symptoms has also been on the rise. We believe that the medical system in Tokyo is in a very serious state. To protect the lives of the people under these circumstances is the Government's biggest responsibility. In this light, I discussed with the relevant ministers. In the discussions, I instructed the ministers to ensure that we can make contact with patients recuperating at home without fail in collaboration with local governments, to, for example, set up oxygen stations and administer oxygen to these patients on the site if needed, and to swiftly build such system. With regard to the neutralizing antibody drug, which is a new medicine said to be highly effective in preventing patients from developing severe symptoms, we will make sure that medical institutions will be able to utilize it in the treatment. At the same time, we will establish specialized centers that offer an intensive treatment. We will develop such medical system in the near future. Moreover, based on the recommendations by chairperson Omi in a subcommittee yesterday, we will work closely with relevant organizations to thoroughly implement measures to curb the flow of people in commercial and other facilities. Meanwhile, many people are now on leave for the Obon holiday, which is also an extremely important time to prevent infections under these circumstances. We humbly ask the public to refrain as much as possible from returning to their hometowns and other travel as well as from non-essential, non-urgent outings, although it would cause inconvenience.