Japan's main ruling party has elected Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide its new leader. The 71-year-old politician is virtually assured to succeed Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, who announced last month his intention to step down to deal with his health.

Suga said, "I would like to proceed with regulatory reforms by defeating such things as bureaucratic sectionalism, vested interests, and blind adherence to precedent. And I want to form a cabinet that will work hard for the people."

A panel of experts has basically approved the Japanese government's plan to offer coronavirus vaccines first to medical workers, elderly people, and those with pre-existing conditions.

The meeting of the panel on Friday was attended by the minister in charge of the coronavirus response, Nishimura Yasutoshi, and health minister Kato Katsunobu.