Tokyo, July 29 (UNI) The Japanese government said on Friday that it will allow the country’s 47 prefectures to issue Covid declarations to tackle the spread of the high- ly transmissible BA.5 Omi- cron sub-variant. The move comes following nationwide new daily cases hitting a record high for a second straight day on Thursday at more than 230,000, with new infections in the capital sur- passing the 40,000-mark for the first time, reports Xinhua news agency.
Daishir Yamagiwa, minister in charge of economic revitalization and the coronavirus response, announced the policy at a press conference. He said the central government will assist prefectural authorities to “strike a balance between infection control and economic and social activities”. The policy is targeting older people, who display far more severe symptoms once they contract the virus and comprise the majority of those receiving treatment in rapidly overstretched medical facilities. Seniors, under the policy, will be urged not to go outside if possible. Along with seniors, the government is also looking to widen the eligibility of the fourth vaccine to include more sections of society. Quasi-emergencies that were lifted earlier this year will not be imposed at this juncture, however, as the government is trying to balance tackling the virus’ spread while not stifling businesses and social activities.
Under the declarations, local governments will urge residents to take antiviral measures, such as early vaccinations and working from home, local media reported. Along with older people, those with underlying conditions will also be encouraged to avoid going outside un- necessarily. According to the Cabinet Secretariat, the occupancy rates for designated hospital beds were above the 50 percent threshold which indicates the medical system is under strain.
