特措法本部、今夕設置へ　緊急事態宣言発令可能に―新型コロナ「まん延の恐れ」

　政府は新型コロナウイルスの感染拡大を受け、先に成立した改正新型インフルエンザ対策特別措置法に基づく政府対策本部（本部長・安倍晋三首相）を２６日夕に設置する。東京都内で感染者が急増していることを踏まえ、感染爆発など不測の事態に備える必要があると判断した。
　改正特措法に基づく政府対策本部の設置は、首相による緊急事態宣言に向けた第一歩となる。緊急事態宣言が出された場合、イベント中止の指示など一定の強制力を伴った措置が可能となる。
　加藤勝信厚生労働相が２６日午後、首相官邸を訪れ、「まん延の恐れが高い」と首相に報告。これを受け、首相は政府対策本部の設置を指示した。政府は同日夕に持ち回りの臨時閣議を開き、本部設置を決定。その後、直ちに初会合が開かれ、首相が改正特措法で定められた基本的対処方針の作成を指示する見通しだ。（2020/03/26-12:50）

The Japanese government will establish Thursday evening a new headquarters on the fight against the new coronavirus, under a special law that was revised recently to boost measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
   The launch of the new headquarters under the law is one of the procedures needed for allowing the Japanese leader to declare a state of emergency over the coronavirus outbreak. The new body will be headed by the prime minister.
   The government sees the need to prepare for emergencies, such as an explosive increase in cases of infection with the virus. The law on measures against new influenza was revised earlier this month to cover the novel coronavirus as well.
   Once a state of emergency is declared, measures with certain binding power, such as instructions for the cancellations of events, can be taken.
   On Thursday afternoon, health minister Katsunobu Kato reported to the prime minister that coronavirus infections are highly likely to become rampant. Based on the report, Abe instructed the establishment of the new headquarters. The headquarters will hold its first meeting immediately after Abe's cabinet decides its launch Thursday evening.