Supplementary budget compilation and ordinance enactment by discretionary action

Next, I would like to report on discretionary action taken to compile the supplementary budget and enact an ordinance for the purpose of preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus disease. On March 31, I took discretionary action to add 25 billion yen to the general account budget for fiscal 2019. This was done in order to raise the loan goals and meet the demand for funds as there were far more applications than we had initially anticipated for emergency loans to SMEs affected by COVID-19.

In addition, on April 7, a supplementary budget bill for the fiscal 2020 general account for the amount of 23.2 billion yen was prepared and enacted also by discretionary action. These measures are designed to respond promptly to urgent issues, centering on the enhancement of the provision of health care, such as strengthening the outpatient consultation system, supporting the securing of hospital beds, and making use of lodging facilities for the treatment of patients with mild symptoms, as well as subsidizing the extension of opening hours of after-school clubs for primary school children.

Furthermore, in response to the declaration of a state of emergency by the Japanese government, we have enacted a new ordinance on countermeasures for COVID-19. In order to further strengthen response to this infectious disease, this ordinance sets down the responsibilities of the metropolitan government, the people of Tokyo, and businesses, and also establishes a council to investigate and deliberate matters from an expert perspective. In accordance with this ordinance, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will implement countermeasures appropriately and promptly, while asking residents and businesses for their efforts to prevent the spread of this disease and to cooperate with the measures taken by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and to not stigmatize COVID-19 patients or those around them.

All of these measures were enacted by discretionary action in order to take appropriate actions in a timely manner. I ask for the approval of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly.