Chairman Kobayashi’s Comments on Government’s Declaration of Third State of
Emergency

April 23, 2021

In response to the increased spread of COVID-19 infections, the government has declared a third state of emergency for Tokyo and the prefectures of Osaka, Hyogo, and Kyoto. The “Priority Preventative Measures” have failed to stop the spread of the disease, and infections by highly infectious mutant strains have been rising rapidly. At a critical time, with growing concerns about further strain on the medical system, this must have been a tough decision to make.

I hope that the government, while continuing to expand and improve the medical care provision system and thoroughly implementing effective measures to prevent the further spread of the disease, will do everything in its power to ensure that vaccinations can be widely provided to citizens as quickly as possible. In addition, it is vital that all citizens once again share a strong sense of crisis and that all parties involved work closely together to prevent the spread of infection.

COVID-19 countermeasures cannot be completely undertaken by one country alone. It will also be important to strengthen international cooperation in areas such as the sharing of information and data regarding the spread of infection, and the production of vaccines and therapeutics.

Together with our member companies and in close cooperation with the government, municipalities, and related organizations, the JFTC will do everything in its power to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. We will also take measures necessary to continue socio-economic activities, including efforts to promote continued telecommuting and digitalization.