nishimura inspected ventilators and was also showed ecmo which takes over lung if you thinks and helps plunge blood back in. >> translator: we've secured about 4,000 of these machines, but we will continue to coordinate to production is ramped up. this is to minimize the number of seriously ill patients and most of all t the death toll. >> nishimura also mentioned economic stimulus now being planned. he said the government is going to quickly draw up an emergency package that includes cash handouts to struggling households. the assistance will be bigger than similar measures taken during the global financial crisis. >>> public and private financial institutions in japan are stepping up for small and medium sized businesses. lenders say the number of funding inquiries has jumped dramatically. thee government owned japan finance corporation is offering loans for three years that are effectively interest free. private lenders are also providing loans at extremely low rates. some lenders are even putting off staff transfers. they would normally take place at the start of the business year

. >> nishimura added that the government is considering applying the measure to other types of meetings as well. >>> the death of comedy star shimura is causing people to take the coronavirus more seriously. >> reporter: he had long been one of the nation's most recognizable comedians. he rose to stardom in the 1970s as part of drifters, a group that entertained for decades with a hugely popular 1970 saturday night variety show. he won the hearts of viewers with his iconic characters and trademark physical comedy. that unique brand transcended language barriers, gaining him fans throughout asiaia. one of his programs eveven inspireded the creation of "america's funniest home videos." the long running u.s. program tweeted its condolences. thanking him for always making people laugh. his management says afteter the icon contracted the coronavirus, his condition quickly worsened, progressing from fatigue to pneumonia and finally death, all within two weeks. health experts say it should be a cautionanary tale. >> translator: i think all of society, including young people, need tththink out