Japanese Govt. Considers Measures Amid Nationwide Coronavirus Resurgence
The Japanese government is considering offering free coronavirus testing and allowing medical workers to receive a fourth dose of vaccines amid a nationwide resurgence of COVID-19. But it says there is no need at present to introduce restrictions on people's movements.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported the number of new coronavirus cases at more than 16,000 on Wednesday, exceeding 10,000 for two days in row. On Tuesday, 12 prefectures in western Japan reported a record number of daily cases, and the nationwide total topped 70,000 for the first time in four months.
The central government says there is no need right now to impose restrictions again, since local governments have not yet requested quasi-emergency measures.
But the central government plans to coordinate with local governments to secure hospital beds as infections could spread rapidly.
Officials are calling on people to follow basic anti-infection measures including hand washing and ventilation, ahead of the upcoming three-day weekend and through the summer holidays when people will likely have more occasions to interact with others.
The officials are considering setting up free coronavirus testing centers at major train stations and airports.
The government is also considering offering a fourth dose of COVID vaccines to medical workers. A fourth jab is currently given to people aged 60 and older, and people aged 18 and older with underlying conditions.
A task force meeting will be held as early as Friday to debate anti-infection measures to be taken, based on discussions held by the health ministry's expert panel and the government's advisory panel.