Japan eyes March vaccine rollout as infections peak

ANKARA

Japan is working on plans to begin a mass coronavirus vaccination drive by March as infections hit record levels in the country, local media reported on Thursday.

The Health Ministry said at least 10,500 freezers will be bought for storage and distribution of vaccines across the country, Kyodo News reported.

The immunization campaign will be carried out at the local municipality level and authorities are also procuring dry ice and coolers for vaccination centers.

The country has set aside $6.4 billion to buy vaccines and signed agreements with Pfizer, Moderna, and the UK’s AstraZeneca.

Japan’s daily virus tally hit an all-time high of 2,810 on Wednesday, including at least 555 critical cases.

Massive spikes have been witnessed recently in at least six areas – the capital Tokyo, Aichi, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, and Kagoshima.

Tokyo reported 602 more infections on Thursday, the highest daily figure yet for the capital, raising its overall case load to 45,529.

Japan’s total count is now over 168,500, including 2,420 deaths.