Suga Inspects Haneda Airport's Quarantine Controls
Japan's Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide has inspected quarantine and other anti-virus measures at Haneda Airport in Tokyo. He instructed officials to take thorough border controls in the run-up to the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In his visit on Monday morning, Suga first inspected the site where All Nippon Airways staff are being vaccinated against the coronavirus. He also tried a touchless check-in system that Japan Airlines uses to prevent infections.
The prime minister then observed the procedure for antigen tests at a quarantine station and was briefed on preventive border measures.
Suga later told reporters that he instructed thorough anti-virus steps to be taken as many athletes and officials will soon be arriving in Japan.
He said athletes are required to be tested twice before departure, and every day after entering Japan. He said the restrictions on outings and other rigorous rules will apply to officials as well, to prevent contact with others.
Suga said the number of new infections is on a declining trend nationwide, except for Tokyo and surrounding areas that have seen a gradual increase.
He said a strong sense of urgency is needed in implementing preventive measures. He pledged to make a quick, flexible response if necessary by closely examining the situation.
Suga also said the government has suspended applications for workplace vaccinations because the demand was far greater than had been expected.
He said the government will examine the applications it has received to ensure that as many people as possible can be inoculated.