January 11, 2021

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on January 10 stated that the need in regards to COVID-19 countermeasures is for the government to win "public understanding and agreement" and provide "adequate compensation", not impose penalties or fines on individuals or business entities for not complying with government coronavirus-related requests.

Currently, the government is discussing the possibility of including penal regulations in the special measures law to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

Appearing on NHK's "Sunday Debate" aired on the same day, Shii said he is opposed to coronavirus-related punishment, saying, "If people are convinced to agree on coronavirus-caused restrictions to receive adequate protection and coverage, they will certainly cooperate in efforts to combat COVID-19."

Shii went on to say, "Penal provisions, if incorporated in the special measures law, will encourage citizens to inform on each other, leading to division among the general public, which will run counter to anti-coronavirus infection measures."

Shii pointed out that under current conditions, in Tokyo alone, 6,700 COVID-19 positive people stay at home in uncertainty with no hospital space available, and added, "Authorities should do their utmost to secure hospitals and accommodations for COVID-19 positive people."