Tokyo, Jan 17 (FN Agency) Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday said he was committed to tackle Covid-19 virus in Japan amid the rampant spread of the Omicron variant of the virus. In his first policy speech at the start of a 150-day regular Diet session, Kishida, describing the virus as “more formidable” than first thought, called on the public’s cooperation in containing the spread of the virus. He also vowed to do more to combat the virus by expediting the rollout of booster shots and vaccinating children. Kishida pledged medical provisions would be made available for increasing numbers of those with severe symptoms, who might require hospitalisation. “I myself have heard Japanese people saying ‘Not again. Can’t take it anymore.’ But we have to be mindful that the invisible enemy is much more formidable than has been anticipated,” Kishida said. “Once again, I ask for your cooperation. Let us overcome this national crisis,” the prime minister, who took office in October, said.
The government is reportedly considering declaring a quasi-state of emergency for Tokyo and three nearby prefectures of Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno saying on Monday new infections are spreading at an “unprecedented rate.” On Sunday, the Tokyo metropolitan government reported over 4,000 new cases. “We need to avoid an emergency situation in which the number of patients with severe symptoms spikes due to an unexpected surge in infections and hospital beds are scarce,” Kishida said.