An expert meeting on the new coronavirus in Kyoto Prefecture was held, and although the number of newly infected people is declining, there were a number of cautious opinions about requesting the government to lift the state of emergency.
Governor Nishiwaki expressed his intention to make a careful decision in consultation with Osaka and Hyogo prefectures next week.
When requesting the government to lift the state of emergency, Kyoto Prefecture stated that "the average number of new positives is less than 50 per week" and "the usage rate of beds for critically ill patients requiring advanced treatment is less than 50%". If the two criteria are met for seven consecutive days, the final decision will be made based on discussions with Osaka and Hyogo prefectures.
Since the situation meets both of the two criteria, Kyoto Prefecture held an expert meeting made up of medical personnel on the 17th to discuss the request for cancellation of the state of emergency.
Among them, attendees said that the usage rate of the entire bed exceeded 30% as of the 15th, exceeding the target of stage 3 of the government subcommittee, and the infection was spreading in the United Kingdom. There were a number of opinions that the request for cancellation should be carefully judged, saying that there is concern that the infection of the new coronavirus was confirmed for the first time in Kyoto Prefecture on the 16th.
After the meeting, Governor Nishiwaki said, "I want to make a careful decision as a prefecture. I think it would be better to exchange opinions with Osaka and Hyogo next week." Next week, I would like to discuss with Osaka and Hyogo prefectures and make a careful decision. I showed my thoughts.
On top of that, he said, "Experts are also afraid of rebounding due to loosening if it is released. We are considering all possibilities for post-release measures, but there is no doubt that step-by-step measures are required." He reiterated the idea of gradually easing measures such as self-restraint and shortening of business hours.