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The government decided to increase the number of tests to 500,000 a day in order to prepare for it, as it decided that a new coronavirus infection (Corona 19) could have a’fourth epidemic’.
In addition, it has decided to strengthen medical capabilities so that even if there are about 2,000 patients a day, it can be treated.
On the 7th, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters announced a plan to curb and prepare for the fourth coronavirus outbreak.
The heavy script plans to increase the number of tests from the current level of 230,000 a day to a maximum of 500,000 in order to detect confirmed cases early.
This is the sum of all tests, including diagnostic tests, tests before quarantine, and tests made in Japan.
The heavy script plans to expand the test capability by increasing the pooling test method ratio from 45% to 70%, and utilize rapid antigen test and rapid PCR in addition to the existing PCR (gene amplification) test method according to the situation.
In addition, while stabilizing the operation of the temporary screening test center in the metropolitan area, the metropolitan city also operated a temporary screening test center until next month.
The script will focus on testing capabilities by classifying the testing priorities in order of importance: ▲ Corona 19 suspected symptoms ▲ contacts and immigrants ▲ vulnerable groups of infections ▲ high-risk areas and occupations ▲ candidates for testing, etc.
Specifically, for nursing hospitals and nursing facilities among the vulnerable groups, the test cycle will be adjusted according to the vaccination situation, and PCR tests or rapid antigen tests will be conducted at any time for returning out and symptomatic patients.
Vulnerable facilities such as homeless facilities and workplace dormitories are additionally discovered, and sample inspections are also conducted for workplaces and facilities that are likely to be infected by group.
In addition, for high-risk areas and occupations, it was decided to provide support for national expenses when conducting a Japanese inspection, and when each local government conducts a preemptive inspection.
The script will also provide re-education for the epidemiological investigation team of public health centers during this month, and support to recruit epidemiological investigators to 42 cities, counties, and gus that have not yet assigned epidemiological investigators.
Along with this, an evaluation system will be established that considers the relationship with the confirmed person, the location of infection, and the activities causing infection, and the Epidemiological Investigation Support System (EISS) will be improved.
The script is expected to reduce the time it takes to collect electronic access registers, card details, and medical institution information from 1 to 2 days to 1 hour through this work.
In order to prevent the influx of mutant viruses, which are more infectious than existing viruses, the number of mutant strain analysis institutions has been expanded from 2 to 8, and the analysis period has been reduced from 5 to 7 days to 3 to 4 days.
In preparation for the fourth epidemic, the heavy script also decided to strengthen medical capabilities.
Currently, medical response is possible when about 1,000 confirmed cases occur a day, but we plan to strengthen our capacity to treat even 2,000 cases a day in the future.
Specifically, urgent care beds are added for the treatment of severely ill patients, and the mandatory designation deadline for a base dedicated hospital will be extended from the 15th to the second quarter of this month.
In addition, a hospital dedicated to infectious diseases was additionally designated and a list of preliminary institutions was prepared for each local government.
In the case of a life treatment center, if necessary, it will be designated in advance so that it can be operated quickly within 2 to 4 days, and if a group infection occurs in a detention center or dormitory, the facility itself will be operated as a life treatment center.
Home treatment is permitted for confirmed asymptomatic and mild children under the age of 12 who require parental care and adults with children who need care.
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