The government plans to accept applications for the 100,000 yen across-the-board cash handouts online or via mail, as part of efforts to overcome the new coronavirus crisis, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said.
Abe also mentioned the government's decision to double the medical fees for treating coronavirus patients in critical condition in a bid to support hospital and medical staff, during a press conference Friday about the government's actions against the spread of the infectious disease.
In response to the expansion of the state of emergency to cover all 47 prefectures, Abe spent about an hour announcing the government's new policies at the Prime Minister's Office during his fifth press conference about the virus.
The prime minister called for people to refrain from going out and to avoid close contact with anyone as much as possible until May 6 -- the last day of the state of emergency period.
"The nation will have the Golden Week holidays before long. We definitely have to avoid allowing a flow of people from epidemic cities to regional areas," Abe said.
"I'm determined to combat the virus together with the people. It was in this belief that I decided to provide 100,000 yen in cash to all the people," he said.
About the change in the government's plan to distribute 300,000 yen to households whose incomes have fallen sharply, he apologized, saying: "I have a responsibility for causing the confusion. I sincerely apologize to the public."
The cash handouts for the people, small and mid-sized companies and micro business operators are expected to cost more than 14 trillion yen, he said.
The government decided to accept applications from the public via the internet or mail to avoid increasing the risk of infection, as many applicants would be likely gather at municipal government offices, Abe said.
Finance Minister Taro Aso said at a press conference on Friday that the cash handouts should be ready by the end of May at the latest.
The government is looking at ways to pay the money into bank accounts designated by applicants when they apply for the handout, sources said. For those who do not want to use a bank account, the government will look for ways to provide the money through municipal governments while taking proper measures against infection, they said.
"On behalf of hospital and medical staff who do their best to treat patients, we will firmly take actions to improve their working conditions," the prime minister stressed.
Meanwhile, the government has no intention to request train and other public transportation operators to reduce the number of services, he said, explaining, "Reducing the number of services is expected to lead to congestion at a certain period."
Abe also said he will decide based on experts' opinions if the state of emergency should last only through May 6 or be further extended.
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