This is a phase in which the united efforts of the government are needed to prevent the spread of the infectious disease. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe must demonstrate his leadership.
"We will fulfill our responsibility to protect the lives and the livelihoods of the people," Abe said in the first press conference held about the issue of pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus. He emphasized that he will implement necessary measures without hesitation.
Although there are many unsolved questions about the virus, it must be said that the Abe Cabinet has so far been lacking in strategic responses.
Some critics have said the government was so busy quarantining passengers on the cruise ship Diamond Princess, it left the implementation of measures for inside the country until later.
A basic policy decided by the government on Tuesday clearly stated that a nationwide uniform request for self-restraint will not be made for events that attract many people. However, the next day Abe called for a "two-week suspension, postponement or downsizing" of such events.
Regarding the closure of schools, the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry had initially said that the decision would be left to local governments. Yet Abe announced on Thursday that he would request simultaneous school closures.
Schools are susceptible to the spread of the virus because large numbers of children gather there. Simultaneous school closures can be a potential measure to control the risk. However, the sudden change in policy has caused turmoil among parents and those related to schools.
Abe said, "I made the decision in the belief that mass infection among children has to be prevented," but it is difficult to deny there was a lack of preparation.
The urgent need is to provide adequate support for parents and others who will be affected by the closures.
Support measures needed
The government plans to create a new subsidy system to compensate for the loss of income when parents, including part-timers, take off from work. The government will financially support childcare facilities for children outside of their school time, to make sure they function properly. The details of the support system need to be finalized immediately.
Infectious disease control requires all-out efforts. The prime minister has to change the posture of the government and deepen its communication with local governments and medical institutions. Local governments are also called on to respect the decisions of the central government and take a stance consistent with that of others.
As the leader of the national administration, Abe should increase opportunities to speak directly to the people and seek their understanding.
It is important to steadily strengthen the system for providing medical services in preparation for future increases in cases of infection. Abe said the government would secure beds for critically ill patients and speed up the development of drugs. Improving the testing capabilities for infection is also indispensable.
The government is considering legislative measures to deal with the infection. It seems that the aim is to be able to ask residents to exercise self-restraint when it comes to going out in areas where the infection has spread. Opposition parties should be called to cooperate in the swift establishment of legislation.
-- This article appeared in the print version of The Yomiuri Shimbun on March 1, 2020.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
