COVID-19 has been downgraded to a Class-5 infectious disease. This marks a turning point in our long, 1200 (12 hundred) day battle against the virus.

To the residents and businesses of Tokyo, the doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, and all who have devoted their efforts to fighting this virus, I would like to express my deepest appreciation for your tremendous cooperation.

Tokyo has been placing importance on protecting senior citizens and others at high risk, and this system will be continued for the time being.
We will also make a gradual transition to a system that will allow COVID patients to receive treatment at a wider range of medical institutions.

Moreover, to prepare for not only COVID-19, but any new infectious diseases that might appear, we will establish an infectious disease countermeasures liaison council to conduct necessary studies on communicating information and securing a seamless health care delivery system.

I would like to ask you, as individuals and businesses, to make your own decisions on what kind of response to take, according to the situation.

Let’s all strive for not just a return to pre-COVID days, but a sustainable recovery for an even more vibrant Tokyo.