Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, will extend the period of PCR tests unique to the ward, which are conducted to the staff of facilities for the elderly, until the end of March next year, considering that the number of infected people in Tokyo is increasing, and will carry out more tests. He clarified the idea of introducing a "pool method" in which four samples are tested together so that they can be implemented.
This was revealed at a press conference by Nobuto Hosaka, Mayor of Setagaya Ward.
According to this, the ward's own PCR test, which Setagaya Ward has been conducting since October for those who wish to have facilities for the elderly, regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms, has carried out more than 3,600 tests by the 14th of this month. By confirming 53 positive cases, Mayor Hosaka emphasized the significance of helping to prevent the spread of infection.
On top of that, Mayor Hosaka has extended the test period from next month to the end of March next year, considering that the number of infected people is increasing, and put together four samples into one so that more tests can be carried out. He clarified the idea of introducing a "pool method" for inspection.
Since the government does not admit that the accuracy of the "pool method" is not guaranteed, the ward will independently use the method in accordance with American standards.
Mayor Hosaka said, "Because many people have to be tested due to the spread of infection, we have to use the pool method. By collecting the samples, we can speed up the test."