Health Minister Yoichi Masuzoe said April 28 that his ministry had declared the outbreak of a new influenza following the World Health Organization's upgrading of its alert level.

Health Minister Yoichi Masuzoe speaks at a news conference April 28 at his ministry. KYODO PHOTO

Masuzoe said at a news conference that the government will do its utmost to protect the lives and safety of the people.

"We will closely monitor developments and respond in a flexible manner," he said.

The government will make its best effort to block the outbreak of the new flu in Japan at the border, tightening quarantine controls and other health safety measures, he said.

According to the ministry, the government will conduct quarantine activities on flights from Canada and the United States at three of Japan's key international airports, as well as on flights from Mexico, having quarantine officers check passengers in the cabin before disembarking the aircraft.

Should people be suspected of infection with the new flu in Japan, the government will isolate them at designated medical facilities to prevent the disease from spreading.

The health minister also urged people to take care of themselves and avoid becoming infected with the new flu by gargling, wearing masks, washing their hands and staying away from crowded areas as much as possible.

At the same time, Masuzoe asked people not to panic and to act calmly based on accurate information.

The government launched a task force headed by Prime Minister Taro Aso that held its first meeting April 28 to discuss countermeasures against the flu epidemic.