Kishida Aims To Recover Economic Activities Without Restricting People Movements
Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says he aims for a recovery of economic and social activities without restricting peoples' movements, while tackling the resurgence of coronavirus infections.
Kishida met with the coronavirus task force at the prime minister's office on Friday.
The meeting revised basic anti-infection measures to include a system for people to be tested before they return to their home towns on summer vacation to visit elderly relatives. The measures also call for effective ventilation.
Kishida said the government will promote efforts to help with the recovery of social and economic activities, while maintaining the highest alert level and strengthening the medical system. He added that he is not considering restricting the movement of people at this time.
Kishida said he plans to make available the fourth vaccine shots for staff at facilities for the elderly and medical workers starting next week. Currently, fourth vaccine shots are being provided to people aged 60 and older, and people aged 18 and older with underlying conditions.
He also said he will set up free coronavirus testing centers at more than 100 locations including major train stations and airports.
Kishida said he wants to ask people to continue taking anti-infection measures including wearing masks indoors and disinfecting their hands. He said he also plans to inform them of effective ways to ventilate rooms that are air-conditioned.