Suga: Japan Vaccinations Will Start Next Week
Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide says the government will start coronavirus vaccinations in the middle of next week.
Suga spoke at a meeting on Wednesday with officials from the government and ruling parties.
Suga said the inoculations will begin once the vaccine's efficacy and safety are confirmed. He said cooperation from local governments, doctors and nurses is absolutely necessary. He pledged to make every effort to prepare for the vaccine rollout.
Suga also commented on his recent decision to extend the state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka and other eight prefectures, which was originally supposed to end on Sunday.
He said he feels very sorry for putting additional burdens on people, but he stressed the need to contain the virus at any cost.
Suga said the government will continue to take thorough coronavirus measures, focusing on restaurants and bars. He pledged to curb new infections and reduce the number of inpatients, including those who are seriously ill.
He said the government will continue to analyze the daily situation carefully and seek experts' advice. He added that he will make necessary decisions accordingly.
Suga also talked about the revised legislation for special measures to respond to the coronavirus, which is due to take effect on Saturday.
Suga said he wants to take effective measures under the revised law, while considering the rights of individuals and businesses.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunobu also revealed that the government plans to make some changes to its anti-coronavirus guidelines on Friday.