Japan Considering Extending Large - Scale Vaccinations In Tokyo, Osaka
The Japanese government is considering extending the operation of large-scale vaccination sites run by the Self-Defense Forces in Tokyo and Osaka, as coronavirus cases are surging across the country.
Japan's daily count of new infections hit a record on Wednesday, topping 150,000. Thirty of Japan's 47 prefectures reported new daily highs, and the figure in Osaka exceeded 20,000 for the first time.
Inoculations at the large-scale venues in the two major cities are scheduled to stop at the end of this month.
The central government has no plans at the moment to impose restrictions on people's movements as local governments have not yet requested quasi-emergency measures.
But it plans to use social media and other means to encourage young people to get a third shot. The proportion of younger generations who have received a third shot remains below 60 percent.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu urged people to receive a third dose to protect themselves as well as their families, friends, seniors and other people who are precious to them.
The government aims to work on preventing infections among the elderly, who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill.
It also plans to set up temporary free coronavirus testing sites at major train stations and airports during the summer holiday season.