Abe: G7 Leaders To Discuss Coronavirus Pandemic


Abe: G7 leaders to discuss coronavirus pandemic

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says the leaders of the Group of Seven countries will hold a video conference on Monday to discuss how to work together to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

Abe told an Upper House committee on Monday that Japan must use its knowledge and cooperate with countries around the world to deal with the challenge.

He noted that the outbreak is having a huge impact on the economy of Japan as well as the rest of the world. He said the government will closely monitor developments in the global economy and implement the necessary sufficient economic and fiscal policies immediately.

Abe said there are concerns that some people could lose work and end up finding it difficult to pay their utility bills. He noted the government will draw up relief measures for such people by the end of this week.

Abe also referred to a recently enacted law that will enable the prime minister to declare a state of emergency to help contain the virus. He said he wants to clarify once again that news reports by media will not be subject to orders based on the law.