Experts talk about the factors behind the rapid decrease in infected people, "vaccination and infection control"

Regarding the rapid decrease in the number of people infected with the new coronavirus, Professor Satoshi Kutsuna of the Department of Infection Control, Faculty of Medicine, Osaka University said, "We will show how many people will be infected from one infected person after the consecutive holidays in late July. The value of "effective reproduction number" has begun to decrease, and the pace of increase has been slowing down since then. In addition to people's thorough infection control measures in their daily lives, vaccination It is thought that the reason for the decrease is that the infection has progressed and it has become more difficult for the infection to spread. The more it increases, the faster the fire will settle. "

Regarding the outlook for the future, he said that even in countries with high vaccination rates, the number of infected people, especially young people, is increasing again. In addition, people who received the vaccine early, including myself, have been vaccinated for more than half a year, so the infection prevention effect may be reduced, so caution is required. " bottom.

Regarding the necessary measures in the future, "Probably the proportion of people who die or are seriously ill in the 6th wave will decrease compared to the 5th wave, so the emphasis of the measures is to enhance the system for mild / moderate illness and accommodation treatment. I think it is important to get medical treatment in a place where medical care is attentive so that no one will die at home without getting medical treatment, as in the case of the 4th wave. "

In addition, in response to the decrease in the number of infected people, each local government has decided or is considering canceling the request for shortening business hours to restaurants etc. "For example, in Osaka, the percentage of people who are infected and die While it was 2.8% in the 4th wave, it was 0.2% in the 5th wave, which is about one tenth, and it can be said that the threat of the new corona is becoming smaller than before. I think it's a good time to go back to and verify. "

On the other hand, as a precaution for cancellation, "There is a risk of infection even if vaccinated. In the future, in addition to avoiding masks and three cs, restaurants etc. will use places where infection control measures are taken. , I want you to continue the basic measures as before. "