An expert meeting of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare was held to advise on measures against the new coronavirus, noting that the infection was spreading rapidly and the number of new infections was increasing in all age groups.
Among the Omicron strains, the replacement with "BA.5", which is pointed out to be more infectious, is progressing, and due to the influence of the three consecutive holidays and summer vacation from this weekend, there is concern that the rapid increase will continue in the future. As a result, he requested that vaccination be promoted and that basic infection control measures be thoroughly implemented.
The expert meeting pointed out that the current status of infection is increasing rapidly, with infections increasing in all prefectures and increasing in many regions.
The number of newly infected people is increasing in all age groups, especially in those in their 50s or younger, and the rate of infection at school or at home is increasing. Is also increasing.
As the number of infected people increases, the number of medical treatment people increases, and the bed usage rate is generally low, but it is on the rise.
In Okinawa Prefecture, where the number of infected people per capita continues to be the highest in Japan, the level of infection is the highest ever and the bed usage rate is higher than in Japan.
In metropolises, short-term predictions suggest that the number of infected people will continue to increase in many areas, with the immunity gained from three vaccinations and previous infections gradually diminishing. ▼ The chances of contact between people will increase due to the influence of the three consecutive holidays and summer vacation from this weekend, and ▼ the replacement of Omicron strains with "BA.5" will progress, and the number will increase rapidly. He pointed out that it is necessary to pay close attention to the impact on the medical system as there is concern that it will continue.
In order to suppress the increase in the number of infected people as much as possible, the expert meeting will further promote the third vaccination and the fourth vaccination for elderly people, and ▼ refrain from going out if they are in poor physical condition. ▼ We called for thorough infection control measures such as avoiding situations where there is a high risk of infection due to poor ventilation and gathering in large numbers, ▼ wearing non-woven masks properly, washing hands, and avoiding even one densely.
Chair Wakita "The rapid increase will continue for a while"
At a press conference held after an expert meeting of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Chairman Takaji Wakita said that the rapid spread of infection nationwide was "the effect of vaccines and infections on immunity to prevent infection is declining. It is affected by factors such as the fact that it is being replaced with "BA.5", which is said to have strong infectivity, and that it is difficult to ventilate due to rising temperatures. There was an argument that the increase would continue for some time. "
Regarding necessary measures in the future, "From the current situation, it is necessary to thoroughly implement basic measures. I have learned how to wear masks, wash hands, and have a high risk of infection. It is necessary to avoid such a place. Also, it is very important for elderly people and people at high risk of aggravation to get a proper vaccination when it is time to take the fourth vaccine to prevent the aggravation. Also, experts did not say that behavioral restrictions were necessary at this point, but it is important to take a close look at the burden on medical care. "