TOKYO: Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide on Friday asked citizens to spend the year-end and New Year’s holiday period quietly, as Japan is experiencing record increases in novel coronavirus infections.

Speaking at a news conference, however, he was cautious about declaring another state of emergency over the epidemic.

“Shortening the business hours of eating and drinking establishments is the most effective infection prevention measure,” Suga said, asking for cooperation.

He stressed that Japanese people can change their behavior without an emergency declaration.

“We would like you to refrain from holding gatherings as much as possible,” he added, apparently with year-end and New Year’s parties in mind.

Suga said the government will strive to communicate more carefully with the public, adding that his past explanations on coronavirus measures, including the upcoming nationwide suspension of the Go To Travel discount program, have been inadequate

He also apologized for having attended a dinner Dec. 14 with seven people, including senior members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, despite government requests to avoid such large gatherings over meals.

Suga expressed a wish to revise the special measures law to combat the coronavirus crisis, saying that a government panel subgroup on coronavirus response will discuss the advisability of proposed penalties to those who fail to comply with government requests.

On border control measures, Suga said that Japan will deny entry to foreigners who recently visited South Africa, where a coronavirus variant has been found.

The press conference was his first since Dec. 4. It was also attended by Shigeru Omi, head of the subgroup.

JIJI Press