Govt. Considers Cutting Isolation Period For Close Covid Contacts To 5 Days
The Japanese government may shorten the isolation period for close contacts of people infected with COVID-19 to five days, amid a rapid resurgence of cases nationwide. The move is intended to keep the country's economic and social activities going.
Currently, individuals who come in close contact with coronavirus patients are in principle asked to self-isolate for seven days.
Prime Minister Kishida Fumio will meet with Cabinet members on Friday afternoon. They will discuss ways of responding to the spike in the number of infections around the country.
Tokyo reported a record of more than 30,000 coronavirus cases on Thursday. Japan's daily number of infections topped 180,000 on the same day. It was the second consecutive day that a record high was reached.
The government may also allow close contacts of infected people to end self-isolation on the third day, if they test negative on the second and third days.
To prevent medical institutions from becoming strained, the government is also mulling the creation of a system that would enable those with coronavirus symptoms to take a test on their own before visiting medical centers.
The government plans to discuss whether medical institutions should continue to receive financial assistance. It will also discuss ways to encourage young people to get vaccinated.
Once the decisions have been made, government officials will make an announcement to the public.