The fifth wave, which was an explosive spread of infection.


Under such circumstances, Sumida Ward, Tokyo, has kept the number of seriously ill inhabitants to zero (since July 12, when this state of emergency was declared).



The secret was to increase the "local power".

One sticker on the pharmacy in Sumida Ward.


It shows that pharmacies will respond to support for home care recipients.



This is an effort by pharmacies to deliver therapeutic drugs so that those who are treated at home do not become seriously ill.


There are 29 pharmacies working together.

Pharmacy takes care of home caregivers

"How about your fever after that?"



I am also in charge of observing the health of the home recuperator to see if there is a sudden change in his or her physical condition, such as listening to his or her physical condition over the phone.



(Director, Yukiko Kanemasa, Sumida Ward Pharmacy Association)


"I think I'm only anxious because I'm a home recuperator. Please contact me anytime, and I hope you can give me a sense of security as a consultation desk."

A system that brings together "local responsiveness"

The second vaccination has just exceeded 50% nationwide, but in Sumida Ward it has already reached nearly 70%.



Mr. Toru Nishizuka, director of Sumida Ward Health Center, who plays a central role in the response, talked about the system that has cared for home caregivers.



The emphasis was on strengthening "local responsiveness."

In the fifth wave, we set up a "health observation team" where local doctors and visiting nurses visit, and with the addition of pharmacies, we have put in place a system that allows treatment to be started promptly even at home.

(Director, Sumida Ward Health Center Nishizuka)


"At first glance, a person who seems to be mildly ill suddenly becomes seriously ill. In the 5th wave, the health center may not be able to support home care patients. , The Medical Association and the Pharmacist Association have created a support system for home care. "

Securing a dedicated bed for "antibody cocktail therapy" at the hospital

Efforts to prevent aggravation are also underway in hospitals.



At the Doai Memorial Hospital in Sumida Ward, administration of a new therapeutic drug began in July.

It is an "antibody cocktail therapy" in which two types of antibodies act to suppress the action of the virus when administered at the same time.



So far, 100 people have been able to administer it in the ward.

Antibody cocktail therapy should be given within 7 days of onset.


However, if the bed is tight, you will miss the timing.



For this reason, Sumida Ward secured a dedicated bed for antibody cocktail therapy, which led to many administrations.

(Mr. Ken Suzuki, Director of Infection Control, The Fraternity Memorial Hospital)


"Everyone was discharged from the hospital lightly, and no one had a worse prognosis. I wonder if it's

Infection control for children is also "solved locally"

On the other hand, a new challenge is the increase in infections in children.



There was also a nursery school where more than 30 children were infected.



Currently, children under the age of 12 are not vaccinated in Japan.


How to stop the infection while protecting the place of childcare and learning.


Again, there was collaboration between the educational setting and the health center.



We are trying to share information on children who were absent due to fever, etc., and take measures in the community to prevent further spread of the infection.



(Director, Sumida Ward Health Center Nishizuka)


"I think there will be various issues to be solved locally by the next wave, but I will overcome any risks with the support of the local people."