Japanese Government "Secures 100 Million Masks This Week"... Also Discusses Economic Measures

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Japanese government announced that it is making efforts to adequately supply masks, which are in short supply, to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to NHK on the 21st, Yoshihide Suga, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, said at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting that "Currently, major domestic companies are operating a 24-hour production system, supplying more than twice as many masks compared to previous years." He added, "Imports from China are also gradually resuming, and this week, more than 100 million masks have been secured."

Secretary Suga continued, "We are urging additional production to expand supply capacity to over 600 million masks per month starting next month," and said, "The government will continue to closely monitor production and distribution situations and work together with the private sector to alleviate the shortage as quickly as possible."

The Japanese government has initially supplied 12,000 masks to taxi operators. Kazuyoshi Akabane, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan, explained, "We have requested public transportation operators to thoroughly implement infection prevention measures such as wearing masks. When inspecting taxi offices, there were opinions that 'it is difficult to secure masks.'" He added, "The masks will be sent to taxi operator groups today," and "We will continue efforts to secure more masks."

As the spread of infection continues, the Japanese government hinted at the possibility of economic measures. Minister Akabane revealed the seriousness of the situation, saying, "There is a very difficult situation with Chinese tourists canceling reservations and Japanese people also reluctant to travel. We are hearing serious concerns not only from the hotel industry but also from bus and taxi operators." He added that they will focus on financial support and employment retention for the tourism industry, which is temporarily experiencing a decline in performance.

Tetsuo Saito, Secretary-General of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and coalition partner Komeito, also emphasized the need for economic measures in response to the spread of COVID-19. Secretary-General Saito said, "Various industries are facing difficulties due to the spread of COVID-19," and "We definitely need to take action." He added that they will gather opinions from companies and propose necessary economic measures to the government in early next month.

Meanwhile, Seiko Hashimoto, Minister for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, announced that the Olympic torch relay, which will start on the 26th of next month in Fukushima Prefecture, will be carried out as planned in coordination with the organizing committee and local governments. Minister Hashimoto said, to prevent the spread of infection, "People who are feeling unwell should avoid coming to the roadside as much as possible and consider other ways to participate in the ceremony," and "(Tokyo Olympic-related events) can be held by changing the timing of the event or holding them without spectators, among various other methods."