Abe: "Easing COVID-19 Entry Ban, Careful Review After Assessing Situation in Partner Countries"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, regarding the easing of the foreign entry ban policy implemented to suppress the inflow of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), stated, "We will gradually resume travel in a way that coexists with the prevention of (domestic) infection spread."

According to NHK and others on the 15th, Prime Minister Abe said on the internet site 'Niconico Douga' program he appeared on the previous night that human exchange is important to fully activate economic activities. However, he emphasized that the resumption of travel should be carefully reviewed by understanding the spread status in the counterpart countries.

Regarding this, Kyodo News reported that Prime Minister Abe expressed a plan to partially and gradually ease the current regulatory measures while maintaining them. Japan currently practically bans foreign entry from 111 countries (regions), including South Korea.

When asked about the view that the infectivity of COVID-19 decreases in summer, Abe said, "We cannot be relieved just because it is summer. Infections are spreading in Middle Eastern countries with high temperatures," and stated that medical provision and expansion of testing systems will be carried out in preparation for re-spread.

Additionally, Abe mentioned that U.S. pharmaceutical company Moderna and British AstraZeneca are developing COVID-19 vaccines, and that negotiations have already begun to secure these vaccines as soon as they are released. He added that vaccinations could start in Japan as early as the end of this year.

Meanwhile, Abe said that the development of a smartphone application (app) that informs people who have been in close contact with COVID-19 patients is in its final stages, and the service is expected to start within this week.

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