Abe warns Japan's COVID-19 situation could worsen

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday warned that the COVID-19 situation could worsen if people let down their guard and do not take proper containment measures. He also called for strengthening the development of medicines and vaccines to tackle COVID-19.

In a bid to maintain the operation of all aspects of society and protect people's lives, the Japanese government will launch an urgent economic response to support private enterprises and workers, added Abe.

According to the latest figures, the total number of COVID-19 infections in Japan has now risen to 1,585 cases.

On Saturday, Japan's Health Ministry and local governments said that more than 60 new infections were confirmed in Tokyo, logging the highest rise per day so far.

'Huge, powerful' measures to keep economy afloat

Abe promised an unprecedented package of steps to cushion the world's third-biggest economy from the coronavirus pandemic, saying the country was close to a national emergency as infections surged.

Abe said the "huge, powerful" measures will include fiscal stimulus, monetary steps and tax breaks for companies, though the details have not been finalized.

"We are in a critical stage. We need to be ready for a long-term battle," Abe said in a nationally televised news conference, adding: "I want to be straightforward about that."

Abe held back from declaring a state of emergency though he announced plans to approve the drug Avigan that has proven helpful in treatment.

"The pandemic is inflicting extremely big damage to Japan's economy," he said. "We'll deploy a huge, powerful package that will include a full range of fiscal, monetary and tax measures."

The size of the package will exceed that compiled in response to the global financial crisis of 2008, which was worth a total 57 trillion yen (528 billion U.S. dollars), Abe said.

The government will come up with a supplementary budget within ten days and try to get it through parliament at the earliest date possible, he said.

Part of the measures will include arrangements so that "small and midsize companies can borrow at zero interest from private financial institutions," he said.

"We will also create a new scheme to offer cash payouts," he added, saying this would be directed at households and companies that need it the most.