TOKYO: The National Governors’ Association on Saturday urged the Japanese central government to review the effectiveness of measures taken to combat the coronavirus fifth wave and present concrete measures against the next wave.

In a videoconference, the association, led by Tottori Governor Shinji Hirai, also called on the government to swiftly decide who should be eligible for coronavirus vaccine booster shots.

The session was attended by 42 of Japan’s 47 prefectural governors.

“It is important to investigate the successes and failures of coronavirus measures to prepare for a possible sixth wave,” Nara Governor Shogo Arai said.

Wakayama Governor Yoshinobu Nisaka concurred, saying, “We need to reflect on how our measures have been so far and prepare for the next time.”

The association called for a thorough review of the fifth wave in summer, the rapid decline in infection cases after its peak and the effectiveness of coronavirus measures.

It requested the government to present concrete infection prevention measures based on scientific evidence ahead of the sixth wave.

The association decided to establish its own working group to investigate the effectiveness of such measures.

“It is necessary to consider what the truly effective measures are,” Hirai said.

The association asked for information on the scope of eligibility for the third shot of coronavirus vaccine, the type of vaccine to be used and details of how the vaccinations will progress.

The group also sought details on a government plan to implement a scheme in which coronavirus restrictions will be eased for people with vaccination records or negative results of coronavirus tests.

The government was asked to increase its special grants to local governments for the fight against the coronavirus by around 2 trillion yen and distribute them swiftly.

“We are facing financing difficulties,” Shiga Governor Taizo Mikazuki said.

JIJI Press