Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is trying to address criticism of his actions against the spread of the coronavirus, pledging support for those who are losing income and promising to increase the number of tests available.

In his first major press conference on the virus, Shinzo Abe said he would use the remaining 2.5 billion USD in budget reserve for the current year to prepare a second package within the next 10 days. The purpose of this move is to deal with the virus and the economic problems associated with it.

Shinzo Abe, who had a relatively calm approach to the coronavirus after the outbreak of the epidemic in China late last year, shocked many on Monday, urging schools in the country to close their doors for about a month.

“Closing schools is a burden for parents”, said he. “But the most important thing is the health and safety of children. We need to prepare for the risk of infection, so please understand”, added Shinzo Abe.

The new package of authorities will include support for small businesses affected by the economic slowdown. Parents who lose their wages because they have to take days off to watch their children will be compensated, explained he.

Shinzo Abe revealed that he had heard many complaints from people who wanted to be tested for the virus but were denied health centers. According to him, the problem will be solved by increasing the capacity of the private sector, and a new 15-minute test is currently being developed. More than 4,000 tests are available every day in Japan, the prime minister said.

Cases of contamination in the country are increasing. So far, the number is over 200, with the exception of those on the Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined in Yokohama.

Authorities have called for the cancellation of major sporting and cultural events or their postponement for several weeks.