Govt. Panel Discusses Response To 7th Wave Of Covid Infections
A Japanese government panel of experts has discussed emergency proposals for coping with a seventh wave of coronavirus infections.
The panel on Thursday discussed measures to avoid putting a strain on the country's healthcare system, as the spread of the Omicron subvariant BA.5 leads to more people getting hospitalized or seriously ill.
It calls for more tests, and for government-approved antigen test kits to be made readily available at pharmacies.
It also calls for a system for people to be tested before traveling home for the summer to visit elderly relatives.
The panel urges ventilation to prevent infection through airborne microdroplets and aerosol particles in closed rooms.
It is asking that vaccination programs be sped up, hospital beds and staff be secured and that basic anti-infection measures be taken.
The panel adds that if an end to the seventh wave comes into view, they need to start considering the coronavirus as just another disease that should be given normal medical treatment.
The panel is expected to finalize its proposals later in the day.