Tokyo To Double Beds For Severe Covid - 19 Cases
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has started asking hospitals to increase beds for coronavirus patients in serious condition, aiming to double the number of such beds in the capital.
The decision was made at a taskforce meeting on Thursday as Tokyo saw its daily count of new infections hit a record high of 534.
The metropolitan government will bring the total number of hospital beds set aside for such patients from 150 to 300.
Governor Koike Yuriko cited an increase in new cases among elderly people, who are at high risk of developing severe symptoms, and said she will enhance medical support system for those in serious condition.
Koike also said the metropolitan government is building a medical facility dedicated to COVID-19 patients with milder symptoms.
She said Tokyo is planning to open it in December, with its construction expected to be finished by the end of November.
