An expert meeting of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare was held to advise on measures against the new coronavirus, and the Omicron strain was "concerned about the spread of infection", and detailed genetic tests were conducted for infected persons who have traveled abroad. He emphasized the need for strengthening.
He also pointed out that the number of infected people in the last week has increased compared to the previous week, and "there is concern that the number will stop falling."
Expert meetings have confirmed the Omicron strain in the United States and Europe, and there are concerns about its infectivity, its impact on the effects of vaccines and therapeutic agents, and the severity of infection. It is said that sufficient knowledge has not been obtained and it is necessary to collect and analyze information from WHO = World Health Organization and other countries.
And since it was confirmed by quarantine in Japan, in addition to focusing on measures against Omicron strains at the water's edge, we will investigate whether it is a mutant virus for all people who have been confirmed to be infected with the new coronavirus in Japan. He pointed out that it is necessary to carry out PCR tests and to carry out detailed genetic analysis, especially for infected persons who have traveled abroad.
In addition, while the number of newly infected new coronas has remained at the lowest level since last summer, the number of infected people in the last week has been increasing by 1.11 times compared to the previous week, and business establishments and facilities. In some areas, the number of infected people is temporarily increasing due to clusters in such areas and cases where the infection route is unknown.
In the future, it is expected that indoor activities will increase due to the decrease in temperature toward the end of the year, and opportunities for eating and drinking and contact with people will increase at year-end parties, Christmas, New Year holidays, etc. He pointed out that he needs to be careful.
On top of that, the expert meeting calls for wearing a mask when eating and drinking, avoiding places with a high risk of infection such as crowded places, and returning home if there are symptoms such as fever. It is important to refrain from moving across prefectures, such as when traveling or traveling, and to actively consult a medical institution and connect to an examination if there are any symptoms.
In addition, even for Omicron strains, including those who have been vaccinated, it is recommended to wear masks properly, disinfect hands, wash hands, avoid denseness, and ventilate, and continue to call for thorough measures. I did.
Chair Wakita "Severity needs further analysis"
At a press conference held after an expert meeting of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Chairman Takaji Wakita said, "Looking at South African data, the number of infected people is increasing due to the Delta strain. Only the infectivity of the virus itself. It is important to analyze these two factors, as it is thought to have the ability to escape immunity. It has been reported that infected individuals with the Omicron strain are often mildly ill, but have been vaccinated or have been infected in the past. It seems that there are some effects, and the true severity needs to be further analyzed. In addition, it is necessary to analyze how effective vaccination is in preventing infection and onset of Omicron strains and preventing aggravation. That's it. "
On that basis, regarding future measures in Japan, "Currently in Japan, we are spending time on border measures by quarantine, but from our experience so far, it is expected that some Omicron strains will be infected in Japan. It is necessary to prepare for the inspection system, diagnosis and treatment system for Omicron strains, and the response including contacts. "