Not Time to Declare Emergency over Coronavirus: Abe

March 16, 2020

Tokyo- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Saturday the current situation of the new coronavirus epidemic in Japan does not warrant him to declare a state of emergency under a revised law.

With the remarks, Abe suggested that his government will make every effort to prevent a further spread of the virus.

Also at a news conference, he expressed his intention of drawing up a large-scale economic package in the near future, saying his government will "exercise its agility to quickly roll out necessary and sufficient economic and fiscal measures."

Abe said he will listen to opinions from experts to determine cautiously whether he should declare a state of emergency as doing so would restrict the private rights of citizens.

At the same time, he signaled his readiness to declare an emergency if the situation becomes increasingly serious. "I am determined to implement legal measures if necessary," he said.

If he declares an emergency, he himself will explain the decision to the public, he also said.

The news conference was held a day after enactment of a law amendment giving him the power to declare a state of emergency and take drastic measures in the fight against the coronavirus.

If a state of emergency is declared, prefectural governors will be authorized to place restrictions on the private rights of citizens, such as requiring residents to stay home and restricting the use of facilities such as schools and movie theaters, where many people gather. The revised law can cover the new coronavirus for up to two years.

On the economy, Abe said that financial markets in the world including in Japan are in turmoil while there are concerns over a further weakening of the global economy.

"We will work out at a stroke drastic measures with unprecedented ideas. We need to implement drastic measures carrying a strong message," he said.

Abe did not reject calls from young lawmakers of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party for a reduction in the consumption tax rate. "We will look at various possibilities, including the proposal," he said.

The prime minister said the possible postponement or cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics were "not on the agenda at all" when he held talks with U.S. President Donald Trump over the phone on Friday. Trump earlier referred to the possibility of the Tokyo Games being delayed for one year.

"We hope to hold (the games) as scheduled by overcoming the spread of the virus," he said, adding that he will visit Fukushima Prefecture on March 26 to see the start of the torch relay in Japan.

Abe also said he agreed with Trump that the two countries will cooperate closely on the research and development of a drug to combat COVID-19. The use of rapid testing equipment for the coronavirus will start this month in Japan, which is expected to boost the country's testing capacity to 8,000 patients per day, he said.

Regarding the current situation of infections, Abe said the guard against the virus cannot be lowered yet, calling for continued restraint on large-scale events.

On the emergency closures of schools across Japan, he said he will decide when to allow them to reopen while hearing opinions from experts.

In addition, Abe said it is possible to reduce the infection risk by avoiding the coincidence of three conditions--a closed room with poor ventilation, overcrowding and conversation in close physical distance.

Having this in mind, schools should conduct graduation ceremonies and children should exercise outdoors, Abe said. Jiji Press