Suga Vows To Fight Virus As Diet Session Begins
Japan's regular Diet session opened on Monday. In his first policy speech at a regular session since taking office, Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide stressed the government's continued efforts to fight the coronavirus.
Suga said, "I'm deeply sorry that the government has to ask people to live under restrictions again. Now I call for everyone's cooperation to overcome the difficulties. I myself shall be on the frontline of the fight against the virus."
Suga said the government aims to revise the special law to enhance the effectiveness of anti-virus measures.
He said the legislation will include support for dining establishments to make sure that they comply with requests for shorter business hours. Penalties are also on the table for those who don't follow the guidelines.
He added that vaccines will play a central role in bringing the virus under control, suggesting that a rollout could begin by late February after screenings for safety and effectiveness.
Suga also touched on the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, postponed to this summer because of COVID.
He said, "I am determined to hold the Games, to send hope and courage to the rest of the world."
He said the Games will be proof of humanity's victory over the virus.
Meanwhile, Suga's battling his own falling support ratings as critics say his government's response to the virus has been too slow.
Japan confirmed more than 4,900 new cases across the country on Monday, and 58 deaths.
Another worrisome confirmation was three people infected with the British variant of the virus -- despite not staying in Britain nor coming in contact with anyone infected. The ministry is investigating whether the British variant may be spreading in Japan.