Japan Compiles Measures For Potential Dual Outbreak Of Covid And Flu
The Japanese government's coronavirus advisory panel has come up with measures to respond to a possible double outbreak of COVID-19 and influenza.
The expert panel met on Thursday to discuss how to reduce the burden on designated fever clinics if a simultaneous outbreak occurs this winter.
The panel members assumed that daily coronavirus cases would reach a peak of 450,000, and the number of people contracting influenza would rise to 300,000 per day.
The panel says that people with a low risk of developing severe symptoms will be asked to take an antigen test at home instead of visiting fever clinics.
If the result is negative, they will be advised to consult a physician over the phone or online, or visit their family doctor.
It they are diagnosed as having influenza over the phone or online, they can have the anti-flu medication Tamiflu delivered to their homes.
People aged 65 or older, young children, and people with a high risk of developing serious symptoms, including those with underlying conditions, will be advised to visit a fever clinic or see a family doctor.
In order to balance infection prevention measures and socioeconomic activities, the government plans to explain when people will not be advised to wear facemasks. It will also ask companies to review their anti-virus guidelines.