Kishida unveils plan to set up pandemic crisis control unit

By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced plans to establish an infectious disease crisis management agency to better prepare for future pandemics. Kishida, marking the end of the current parliamentary session with weeks to go until July 10 national elections, says Japan has managed to significantly slow COVID-19 infections, but it is still too early to “put our guards down.” He said there’s a need to “carefully walk the path toward returning to ordinary lives” as Japan gradually resumes social and business activities as well as tourism. Kishida, who faced low public expectations when he took office in October with unimpressive 40% support ratings, has since steadily gained popularity.