Abe: "Prompt Legislation on COVID-19 Including Emergency Declaration"

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed on the 2nd his intention to promptly pursue legislative measures, including the declaration of a state of emergency, in response to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to NHK and Kyodo News, Prime Minister Abe stated at the House of Councillors Budget Committee session that it is important to always prepare for the worst-case scenario.

The Japanese government has been enforcing the "Special Measures Act for Pandemic Influenza and New Infectious Diseases Preparedness and Response," which allows the declaration of a state of emergency, since 2013. According to this law, if an infectious disease spreads nationwide and significantly impacts the lives of citizens and the economy, the government can declare a state of emergency. When a state of emergency is declared, governors of Japan's prefectures (d?t?fuken) can request people to refrain from going out and can order school closures.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at a regular press conference that it is "under review" whether to amend the "Special Measures Act for Pandemic Influenza and New Infectious Diseases Preparedness and Response" or to enact a new law.

Regarding the second COVID-19 emergency response, Prime Minister Abe said, "We will swiftly decide by the 10th of this month, aiming to utilize over 270 billion yen (approximately 3 trillion won) from the 2019 budget reserve funds."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.