TeCOT (COVID-19 Testing Center for Overseas Travelers)
Latest Information
- Closing Date for Filing Requests for Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses and Subsidy Program for Supporting Business Rent to be Extended to February 15, 2021 (January 15, 2021)
- Certificates of Gratitude Granted to Companies and Associations that Contributed to Increase in Production of Medical Supplies (December 21, 2020)
- Travel Agencies to be Permitted to Make Reservations for Overseas Business Travelers at Medical Institutions through the COVID-19 Testing Center for Overseas Travelers (TeCOT) (November 20, 2020)
- Successful Applicants Selected for the Program for Promoting Investment in Japan to Strengthen Supply Chains (November 20, 2020)
- COVID-19 Testing Center for Overseas Travelers (TeCOT) to Additionally Start Provision of Services to Short-Term Overseas Business Travelers Having Returned to Japan(October 30, 2020)
- Call for Applicants for Ticket Sellers and for "Go To Event" Campaign (October 19, 2020)
- "Register of Medical Institutions Issuing COVID-19 Testing Certificates" for Overseas Travelers to be Updated (October 14, 2020)
- Operation of COVID-19 Testing Center for Overseas Travelers (TeCOT) to Start (October 6, 2020)
- Operation of COVID-19 Testing Center for Overseas Travelers (TeCOT) to Start (September 30, 2020)
- Website Exclusively for COVID-19 Testing Center for Overseas Travelers (TeCOT) to Open and "Register of Medical Institutions Issuing COVID-19 Testing Certificates" for Overseas Travelers to be Published (September 18, 2020)
- Results Compiled for the Second Round of Applications from Medical Institutions Intending to Conduct Novel Coronavirus Tests for Business Travelers (September 1, 2020)
- New Secretariat of Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses Accepting Requests for Subsidies on September 1, 2020 (August 28, 2020)
- Cabinet Decision on the Cabinet Order for the Partial Revision of the Order for Enforcement of the Act on Emergency Measures for Stabilizing Living Conditions of the Public (August 25, 2020)
- Publication of the Results of the First Round of Accepting Applications from Medical Institutions Intending to Conduct Novel Coronavirus Tests for Business Travelers and Commencement of the Second Round(August 7, 2020)
- Announcement of Progress in Program for Promoting Investment in Japan to Strengthen Supply Chains: Current Situations of Application Filing and Schedule for Selecting Applications(August 5, 2020)
- Successful Applicants Selected for the Program for Promoting Investment in Japan to Strengthen Supply Chains (July 17, 2020)
- List of Travel Medicine Clinics and Hospitals Providing PCR Tests for the Public(July 3, 2020)
- Information on Disinfection and Sterilization Methods against the Novel Coronavirus Compiled Jointly with MHLW and CAA(June 26, 2020)
- Surfactants and Hypochlorous Acid Solution for Removal of Coronavirus from Surfaces (Final Announcement)(June 26, 2020)
- Additional Sites for Supporting Filing Requests for the Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses to Open(June 8, 2020)
- Framework for Supporting Filing Requests for the Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses to be Enhanced(June 5, 2020)
- Surfactants to Help Removal of Coronavirus from Surfaces (Second Announcement)(May 29, 2020)
- Additional Sites for Supporting Filing Requests for the Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses to Open(May 27, 2020)
- Package of Measures for Supporting Businesses in Resuming their Business Operation Formulated(May 22, 2020)
- Surfactants to Help Removal of Coronavirus from Surfaces (First Announcement)(May 22, 2020)
- Measure for Supporting Organizations in Advancing Research and Development of Technologies for Addressing the Novel Coronaviruses Disease and Other Infectious Diseases Starts(May 21, 2020)
- Additional Sites for Supporting Filing Requests for the Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses to Open(May 18, 2020)
- Additional Sites for Supporting Filing Requests for the Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses to Open(May 13, 2020)
- Sites for Supporting Filing Requests for the Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses to Open(May 11, 2020)
- Change in the Method of Calculating the Amount of Subsidies to be Paid to Companies under the "Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses" (May 8, 2020)
- Announcement of Progress in Evaluating the Effectiveness of Sterilization Methods for Novel Coronavirus Disease(May 1, 2020)
- Private Financial Institutions Start Provision of Substantially Interest-free Funds without Requiring Collateral(May 1, 2020)
- Announcement of Information on Consultation Counters for the Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses(May 1, 2020)
- Acceptance of Requests for Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses Starts (May 1, 2020)
- Deadlines for Submission of Documents Relating to the Act on the Rational Use of Energy are to be Extended in Response to the Spread of the Novel Coronavirus Disease(April 28, 2020)
- Requests for Consultation on Novel Coronavirus Disease to be Accepted during the Golden Week Holidays(April 28, 2020)
- Guide for Filing Requests for the Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses and Other Information Published (Preliminary Version) (April 27, 2020)
- Scope of SMEs Targeted for Financial Assistance Due to Novel Coronavirus Expanded(April 24, 2020)
- Announcement to Consumers Facing Difficulties Paying Electricity or Gas Bills Due to Impacts of Novel Coronavirus Disease(April 24, 2020)
- Series of Leaflets Prepared Explaining Industry-based Support Measures that Businesses Affected by the Novel Coronavirus Disease are Able to Utilize (April 23, 2020)
- Data on Pattern Paper of Medical Isolation Gowns to be Provided (April 17, 2020)
- New Website Launched for Explaining Case Examples of Leading Retail Stores Engaging in Efforts for Preventing Expansion of Novel Coronavirus Disease(April 16, 2020)
- METI to Convey Information on Menu of Support Measures for Businesses Affected by Novel Coronavirus Disease Utilizing LINE Application(April 16, 2020)
- METI Requested Related Associations to Promote Teleworking of Workers and Other Actions as Responses to Government’s Declaration of State of Emergency Involving Novel Coronavirus Disease (April 13, 2020)
- Implementation of Effectiveness Evaluation of Sterilization Methods Against Novel Coronavirus(April 15, 2020)
- METI to Request Related Associations to Take Care in Maintaining Employment of Current Workers and Other Conditions as Responses to Novel Coronavirus Disease(April 13, 2020)
- Systems Involving Regulations over Industrial Safety Revised (April 10, 2020)
- Measure for Supporting SMEs Affected by Novel Coronavirus Disease to be Taken(April 8, 2020)
- Acceptance of Requests for Consultation from SMEs, Small Enterprises and Other Entities Affected by Novel Coronavirus Disease to Start; Concerning Support Measures for Financing and Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses(April 8, 2020)
- Q&A on Approaches to Conducting Shareholder Meetings Compiled as Measure for Addressing the Spread of the Novel Coronavirus Disease(April 2, 2020)
Outline of METI’s support measures
METI has been taking the following measures for mitigating the impacts on companies of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and for supporting such companies:
- Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses
- Online brochure on METI’s support measures
- Supporting companies in financing (loans and guarantees)
- Promoting Teleworking of Workers
- Conducting a subsidy project for companies taking countermeasures against the novel coronavirus disease
- Deregulatory measures in import and export procedures as a response to the novel coronavirus disease
- Requesting that for main contracting companies take appropriate care in trading with their subcontractors
- Support measures for individual business operators and freelancers affected by the novel coronavirus disease
- Requesting that related associations take care in maintaining employment of workers
- Website for online class services provided by Ed Tech companies for students during school closure
- The Project for #Navigation of Information on Private Support Services
- Technical support provided by ICT companies to organizations which intend to introduce telework options
Other related information
- Approaches to Conducting Shareholder meetings (methods of holding the meetings online etc.), Corporate financial results and audit
- Program for Remote Health Consultation Services
- Opening consultation counters for SMEs and small enterprises
- Releasing information on the current situations of Japanese companies developing business overseas, information on overseas countries, and consultation counters (JETRO)
- Support measures by local municipalities
Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses
This program targets companies facing severe conditions in particular and provides them with subsidies for a wide variety of purposes that in general are considered effective in supporting them in sustaining or reviving their businesses.
Some details of both programs and conditions that companies should meet in using the programs are still under discussion, as these programs will start when the FY2020 Draft Supplementary Budget is passed. METI will publicize the details once they have been determined.
For FAQs concerning the subsidy program, visit the following page.
Online brochure on METI’s support measures
METI compiled its measures for supporting businesses affected by the novel coronavirus disease into a brochure.
Supporting companies in financing (loans and guarantees)
METI will provide financing support for businesses affected by the expansion of the novel coronavirus disease.
No.4 and No.5 Safety Nets for Financing Guarantee
No. 4: If an SME is runs a business in a designated area in which a wide variety of industries are affected by the disease and it faces a decline in sales of 20% or more from the previous year, it is eligible to make use of a financing guarantee for the full loan amount under a framework of up to 280 million yen, which is separate from a general financing guarantee.
No.5: If an SME is a business in an industry particularly severely affected by the disease and it faces a decline in sales of 5% or more from the previous year, it is eligible to make use of a financing guarantee of 80% of the loan amount under a framework of up to 280 million yen, which is separate from a general financing guarantee.
- On March 3 (Tue.), METI decided to designate an additional 40 industries as eligible for the financing program, including accommodations and hotels, eateries, restaurants and fitness centers (March 3).
- On March 11 (Wed.), METI decided to designate an additional 316 industries as eligible for the financing program, such as dairy product manufacturers and hair-dressing and beauty salons (March 11).
Guarantee Related to Emergencies: If an SME in any industry across Japan* faces a decline in sales of 15% or more from the previous year, it is eligible to make use of a financing guarantee of the full loan amount under a framework of up to 280 million yen, which is separate from a general financing guarantee.
*Note: These industries must fall under the industries subject to the Credit Guarantee System.
Safety Nets Loan Programs
Promoting Teleworking of Workers
Aiming to reduce the number of commuting workers and opportunities where people make contact with others, METI compiled an easy-to-understand brochure explaining well-organized information on actions that SMEs and small enterprises are able to tackle immediately.
Conducting a subsidy project for companies taking countermeasures against the novel coronavirus disease
Subsidy Project for Supporting Businesses in Introducing Facilities for Producing Face Masks
This project aims to support businesses in introducing facilities for producing face masks in response to the government’s request to increase production of face masks in order to resolve the shortage of such masks as necessary basic goods for addressing the novel coronavirus disease.
Project for Facilitating Productivity Revolutions
This project aims to support businesses, by priority, in tackling efforts for: business investment; cultivation of sales channels; and enhancement of efficiency through introducing IT so that the businesses are able to overcome damaged supply chains and secure business continuity in the future.
Subsidies for monodzukuri
This measure aims to provide SMEs and small enterprises with subsidies for business-related equipment investment expenditures.
Subsidized amount per applicant: 1 million to 10 million yen; Subsidy rates: 1/2 for SMEs, 2/3 for small enterprises
Subsidies for sustainability
This measure aims to support small enterprises in advancing efforts for cultivating sales channels and improving productivity.
Subsidized amount per applicant: Up to 500,000 yen; Subsidy rates: 2/3
Subsidies for introduction of IT
This measure aims to support companies in introducing IT into their business as tools for contributing to enhancing value added, e.g., enhancing efficiency of back-office operations.
Subsidized amount per applicant: 300,000 to 4.50 million yen; Subsidy rates: 1/2
Opening consultation counters for SMEs and small enterprises
METI opened business consultation counters targeting SMEs and small enterprises that are or may be affected by the recent epidemic of the novel coronavirus disease and will address requests for consultations relating to their business operations (January 29, 2020).
The Japan Finance Corporation; the Shoko Chukin Bank, Ltd.; Credit Guarantee Corporations; Chambers of Commerce and Industry; the Federation of Societies of Commerce and Industry; the Federation of Small Business Associations; and Yorozu Support Centers; as well as: the National Federation of Shopping Center Promotion Associations; the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, JAPAN; the Regional Bureaus of Economy, Trade and Industry and other entities
Releasing information on the current situations of Japanese companies developing business overseas, information on overseas countries, and consultation counters (JETRO)
JETRO provides the following services: “Province- or City-based Support Measures for Companies Intending to Resume their Businesses in China,” which is a collection of measures provided by JETRO offices worldwide; Spotlight Newsletters; and a consultation counter for SMEs affected by the novel coronavirus disease.
Deregulatory measures in import and export procedures as a response to the novel coronavirus disease
METI expects delays and other disruptions in imports and exports as a result of the novel coronavirus epidemic. As responses to such delays, METI compiled the following notable items related to trade controls, including new, special treatments, and opened consultation counters concerning these responses.
Requesting that main contracting companies take appropriate care in trading with their subcontractors
Using written documents, METI will request, through about 1,100 related industrial associations, that main subcontracting companies to take appropriate care in trading with their SME subcontractors affected by the novel coronavirus disease, e.g., to not force their subcontractors to accept improper trade conditions.
- METI to Request Main Subcontracting Companies to Take Appropriate Care in Trading with their Subcontractors Affected by Novel Coronavirus (February 14)
- METI to Request Main Subcontracting Companies Take Further Appropriate Care in Trading with their Subcontractors Affected by Novel Coronavirus Disease (March 10)
Support measures for individual business operators and freelancers affected by the novel coronavirus disease
Requesting that ordering companies take appropriate care in trading with individual business operators and freelancers affected by the novel coronavirus disease
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), in joint name with the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Chairman of the Japan Fair Trade Commission, will request, through related associations, that ordering companies take appropriate care in trading with individual business operators and freelancers affected by the novel coronavirus disease.
Subsidy for working parents on temporary closure of elementary schools. (For self-employed people performing subcontract work)
As a measure to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease, a new subsidy system has established to support financially working parents who face difficulty in performing their contracted work in order to take care of children on temporary closure of elementary schools. For details, please see the MHLW website
Requesting that related associations take care in maintaining employment of workers
In light of the serious impact of the novel coronavirus disease on the entire Japanese economy, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will request related associations to take special care in maintaining employment of workers, recruiting activities and for students given informal promises of employment who will graduate from schools or complete academic courses at the end of FY2019.
- METI to Request Related Associations to Take Care in Recruiting Activities and for students given an Informal Promise of Employment Based on Government Responses to Novel Coronavirus Disease (March 13, 2020)
- METI to Request Related Associations to Take Care in Maintaining Employment of Current Workers and Other Conditions as Responses to Novel Coronavirus Disease (April 13, 2020)
Website for online class services provided by Ed Tech companies for students during school closures
Aiming to create opportunities for school children and students to learn at home in light of the closure of all schools, EdTech companies have been advancing initiatives for providing such students with learning tools free of charge and other services. The portal website of the “Future Classroom” Program presents a list of such companies.
Publishing Information on Free-of-Charge and discounted Support Services Provided by Private Companies with Standardized Open Data - “The Project for #Navigation of Information on Private Support Services” -
The IT Strategic Headquarters of the Cabinet Secretariat, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), in cooperation with industrial players and a Civic Tech association, will jointly start a new project titled “ the Project for #Navigation of Information on Private Support Services.” The project aims to compile information on support services provided by private companies as responses to the novel coronavirus disease into a standard format and publish the data.
Technical support provided by ICT companies to organizations which intend to introduce telework options
ICT companies have been advancing the provision of teleworking tools and other services to companies and other entities tackling the introduction of teleworking to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease in the workplace. The Japan Telework Association explains how companies are providing such support services on its website.
Others
Inquiries regarding shareholder meetings affected by the novel coronavirus
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) compiled answers to inquiries from companies and the public regarding the conducting of shareholder meetings affected by the recent novel coronavirus.
Program for Remote Health Consultation Services to Start
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will open health consultation counters at which people are able to consult with doctors regarding their health concerns remotely and free of charge, including consultations over the expanding novel coronavirus disease.
These counters will be open for the period between March 11 (Wed.) and 31 (Tue.), 2020.
Support measures by local municipalities
Support measures by local municipalities has been introduced on the website “J-Net21” operated by the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation.
Related websites (Other ministries and agencies)
- MHLW: About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Webpage operated by the Headquarters for Pandemic Influenza and New Infection Diseases Preparedness and Response, the Government of Japan
- Prime Minister’s Office: Preparations for the novel coronavirus disease - Announcement of individual-based countermeasures against the novel coronavirus disease
- MOFA’s "Overseas Travel Safety Information"
Last updated:2021年01月28日