Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, center, speaks to reporters about the extension of a state of emergency at his official residence in Tokyo, Japan, on Aug 16, 2021. (YOSHITAKA SUGAWARA / KYODO NEWS VIA AP)
TOKYO – Support for Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's cabinet decreased by 4.1 points from a month ago to a record low of 31.8 percent, and 65.1 percent of people show their unwillingness for Suga to remain in his post, local media reported Monday.
The disapproval rating increased by 0.8 points to 50.6 percent, the highest level on record since the launch of PM Yoshihide Suga's cabinet last September
The disapproval rating increased by 0.8 points to 50.6 percent, the highest level on record since the launch of the Suga cabinet last September.
According to the nationwide telephone survey conducted from Friday to Monday, 64.7 percent of respondents want the Tokyo Paralympics, which will open next Tuesday, to be held without spectators.
ALSO READ: Survey: Japan PM's support slides to record low as Games close
The Tokyo Olympics, which ended Aug 8, were held with most venues near Tokyo free from spectators due to the pandemic.
Regarding the decision of the Japanese government and organizers to hold Olympic events amid the COVID-19 pandemic, 62.9 percent of the respondents expressed some degree of satisfaction about the Olympics, while 30.8 percent were dissatisfied.
As an increasing number of patients in need of medical attention pressures hospitals, 79.9 percent expressed their concerns over the government's policy for treating COVID-19 patients.
READ MORE: Support for Japan's Suga slides as COVID-19 shadows Olympics
The COVID-19 treating policy, which Suga decided earlier this month, required hospitals in areas facing a virus resurgence only admit patients with severe cases, or at risk of developing severe symptoms.
Suga later clarified that patients with moderate symptoms but at risk of developing severe symptoms will be admitted to hospitals.