Suga: Plans To Set Up More Vaccine Sites On Hold
The Japanese government will continue to place on hold acceptance of new applications to set up vaccination sites in workplaces and municipalities.
Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide told a meeting of relevant cabinet ministers on Wednesday that demand to open up such sites at firms and universities, and large-scale ones in municipalities, is greater than anticipated. He said the government will continue suspending the acceptance of new applications.
However, Suga said the applications the government has already received will be vetted and dealt with appropriately.
Suga promised to promptly release information on the outlook for vaccine distribution in order to allow municipalities to conduct vaccinations smoothly.
Suga acknowledged that infection rates remain at low levels in many parts of the country, but they are on the rise in Tokyo. He said officials will take thorough measures with a sense of urgency, continue monitoring the situation carefully and react in a flexible manner when necessary.
Suga said 1.67 million shots were administered on Tuesday, exceeding the daily target of 1 million doses.
He said roughly 60 percent of the elderly have gotten their first shots, accounting for more than 20 percent of the country's population.
Suga stressed that vaccination is a key to reviving the economy. He cited estimates that show an acceleration in vaccination rates will lead to 600,000 more jobs, a 2 percent boost to the country's economy, and 12 trillion yen, or about 109 billion dollars, in economic contributions.
Suga said the government expects the country's tax revenue for last fiscal year to hit an all-time high and the government will do everything it can to keep the economy running properly.