Govt. To Discuss Shortening Self - Isolation Period For Close Contacts
The Japanese government plans to discuss shortening the isolation period for close contacts of people infected with COVID-19 from the current seven days, amid a rapid resurgence of cases nationwide.
Prime Minister Kishida Fumio will meet with Cabinet ministers on Friday to 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.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu told reporters on Thursday that the government will closely watch the situation and its impact on medical services.
In the meeting on Friday, the government is expected to confirm its policy of not asking people to follow restrictive measures at the current stage.
Other measures expected to be talked about at the meeting include establishing a system to enable those with coronavirus symptoms to take a test on their own before visiting medical institutions.
The attendees will discuss whether medical institutions should continue to get financial assistance. They will also discuss ways to encourage young people to receive vaccinations.
Once the decisions have been made, the government plans to make an announcement to seek understanding and cooperation from the public.