TOKYO: Shigeru Omi, head of a key Japanese government team for tackling the novel coronavirus epidemic, on Wednesday expressed his support for tougher coronavirus measures in the western prefecture of Osaka.

“The time has come to consider implementing them,” Omi told the health committee of the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of parliament.

He was talking about the intensive measures, including compulsory steps with penalties for violators, that can be taken under a recently revised special measures law without the declaration of a state of emergency.

“The infection level in Osaka is approaching Stage 4,” which justifies a fresh coronavirus state of emergency, he said.

Omi also said that the spread of coronavirus variants is placing a heavy burden on the medical care system.

Considering a possible fourth wave of infections and the high infectivity of the variants, Omi stressed, “It is necessary to take strong steps, including the intensive measures, if there is any sign of further expansion of infections.”

JIJI Press