Govt. To Keep Public Informed About Vaccines
The Japanese government says it will keep the public well-informed about coronavirus vaccinations, which start on Wednesday.
About 10,000 to 20,000 medical workers are the first in line to get their shots, followed by elderly people and others.
Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide on Monday said he wants officials to rally behind the efforts to carry out the vaccination program swiftly and smoothly.
The government says it will provide easy-to-understand, science-based information about vaccines, including their efficacy and side effects. It will shoulder all the costs of the vaccinations.
The government believes that a smooth implementation of the vaccination plan is essential to prevent the spread of the virus while keeping the economy going.
The coronavirus state of emergency is currently in place for Tokyo, Osaka and eight other prefectures. Government officials say the pace of decline in the number of new cases of infection is slowing.
The officials ask that people continue to refrain from non-essential outings, as well as to work from home to reduce commuter movement by 70 percent.