Former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday identified electronic "vaccine passports" for domestic use and an expansion of PCR testing as important elements in resuming pre-pandemic life, in an effort to distinguish himself from Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga ahead of the Liberal Democratic Party leadership contest.
At a news conference to unveil his vision for the coronavirus response, Suga’s challenger endorsed the expansion of free PCR testing sites that do not require a reservation and also testing at home. Using a combination of stronger measures to enhance medical resources and reduce foot traffic, he hopes to restore a sense of normalcy by the beginning of next year.
“What is necessary to resume regular social and economic activities are vaccines, electronic vaccine passports and sufficient testing systems,” Kishida said.