Coronavirus Panel Discusses Rise In Cases
Japanese government officials are discussing the spread of coronavirus infections across the country at a subcommittee meeting.
Economic Revitalization Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi, who is also in charge of the coronavirus response, and Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Kato Katsunobu are among those attending the meeting on Friday. Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko and Osaka Governor Yoshimura Hirofumi are also participating online.
Nishimura said the number of new cases across the country is very high, and compared to the situation in April, many young people have become infected. He added that only a small number of seriously ill patients and infected people are aged 60 or older.
He called on the participants to assess the current situation and to discuss how they should respond if an explosive spread of the virus occurs.
Kato said the burden on medical staff is increasing due to the rise in new cases, and the number of seriously ill patients is also climbing. He said the government will work with prefectural officials to monitor how the situation is affecting medical services.
