MEDICINE

Around 830,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines arrive in Japan.

Some who fear the COVID-19 vaccine may be swayed by a report that the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare will award a lump sum of 44,200,000 yen (US$420,000) to the surviving family of any person who dies as a result of the vaccine.

Japan began its coronavirus vaccination drive on February 17, starting with frontline medical workers. The central and local governments and medical workers are coordinating efforts to that end.

Pfizer vaccines arrive in hospitals in Tokyo ahead of inoculation which is set to start on February 17.

Convenience store chain giant Lawson is teaming up with Uber Eats to deliver medication to those who need it.

Sources say Japan's government plans to deliver COVID vaccinations to the general population in May.

Railway companies serving the greater Tokyo area move up the times of their last train amid the state of emergency over the coronavirus.

Regulatory Reform Minister Taro Kono says he will strive to deliver the Covid-19 vaccination to the public as soon as possible.