The number of people infected with the new corona is the highest ever.

A new type of coronavirus whose infection is rapidly spreading.

On the 20th, the number of infected people exceeded 150,000 nationwide, the highest number ever.

It was the highest number of infected people in 30 prefectures so far.

The main reason is "BA.5", one of the Omicron strains.

It is said to be highly infectious.

On the other hand, the government has indicated that it is not necessary to impose the same behavioral restrictions as before at this time.

How should we respond to the repeated wave of infection spread?

What should I do during the summer vacation that is about to begin?

We asked Shigeru Omi, chairman of the government's new coronavirus control subcommittee.

(* Interview was conducted on the night of July 19th)

"7th wave" "Twice as likely as" 6th wave ""

On July 20, the number of people infected with the new coronavirus per day was more than 150,000 nationwide, more than 40,000 more than the highest number so far, July 16, the highest number ever.

There are over 20,000 people in Tokyo and Osaka.

It has the highest number of infected people in 30 prefectures so far.

The background to this is the Omicron strain "BA.5".

The speed at which the infection spreads is about 30% faster than the previous "BA.2", and it is said that it has the property of "immunity escape" that evades the immunity obtained by vaccines and infections.

In addition, it is believed that the increase in the number of people whose immune effect has declined over time after the third vaccination has also contributed to the expansion.

On the other hand, the WHO = World Health Organization says that there is no evidence that it has changed compared to "BA.2" as to whether it is likely to become severe.

Reporter:

At what point do you think the "7th wave" of infection is now?

When do you expect peak outs?

Chairman Shigeru Omi (hereinafter referred to as Chairman Shigeru Omi):

Unfortunately, the peak out has not occurred because the spread of the infection is still continuing, and this time it is possible to double the peak of the 6th wave. I think it is.

In order to peak out, we have to go below 1 (the number of infected people compared to the previous week), but it's still double.

It will take some time for the price to decline, and I think it will not decrease in the past week.

It is doubtful that the actual reported numbers accurately represent the reality, and I think it may be underestimated.

If the number of infected people increases to this point, the capacity of the test will be exceeded, and the people who should normally be tested are not necessarily tested.

Basic "five measures" are necessary even if there are no behavioral restrictions

Reporter:

The country announced last week that it "does not have a uniform restriction on behavior so far."

What is behind these policies?

Chairman Omi:

Many people have learned about this infection and have learned how to get it and how to prevent it.

It has also been found that many people are mildly infected.

Vaccination rates have gradually increased and testing capacity has been strengthened.

The medical system has been gradually strengthened due to the previous experience.

Under such circumstances, I think it is related to the fact that society as a whole is gradually becoming more willing to return to normal socio-economics.

Reporter:

It is also accepted that there is no need for countermeasures.

Chairman Omi:

As of last week, the government said that "no action restrictions are needed for now" because it is not yet time to issue priority measures such as the state of emergency and the prevention of spread as it has been issued so far. think.

But instead of not, I think we need to take all the necessary steps to keep the level of infection to a certain level.

* 5 measures (Urgent proposal on July 15)

1 Acceleration of vaccination

2 Further utilization of tests

3 Efficient ventilation

4 Ensuring efficient medical functions by the national and local governments

5 Re-inspection of basic infection control measures Thoroughness

I requested that you thoroughly implement the five measures at the previous subcommittee.

In some prefectures, "Avoid high-risk scenes, loud voices, three crowds, and crowded scenes where a large number of people gather." The governor and others are requesting the citizens of the prefecture.

I think that kind of response is important.

If we do not issue a priority measure or a state of emergency, we believe that society as a whole is required to do it firmly, focusing on the five pillars of basic measures.

Avoid situations with high risk of infection during summer vacation

Reporter:

Many people are wondering how to spend their summer vacation while it is said that there is no need for behavioral restrictions.

What should I be careful about when traveling or returning home?

Chairman Omi:

This time, we are facing a very infectious virus called "BA.5", but the scenes and situations where it is easy to get infected are the same as before.

3 Try not to go to crowded scenes where many people gather, loud scenes, or such scenes.

If you meet Grandpa or Grandma, please check as much as possible.

We have learned a lot so far, so I think it is most necessary for each person to devise something by utilizing the knowledge they have learned.

It is the government and local governments that improve the testing system and promote vaccination.

Citizens have also learned a lot, so I think it should be emphasized that each of us should devise something based on what we have learned to protect ourselves and people.

People's judgment and ingenuity are now in great demand.

The national and local governments support it.

I think that medical institutions will also flexibly increase their functional capacity.

Reporter:

It is said that Omicron strains are less likely to become severe.

Chairman Omi:

Now, the number of infected people has exceeded the peak of the sixth wave.

However, it is also known that the severity and case fatality rates are not so high.

In particular, the elderly and other vulnerable people are originally vulnerable, and even if the new coronavirus does not necessarily cause pneumonia, the infection itself may deprive the body of physical strength or cause dysphagia. Therefore, how to protect the elderly is important.

Take measures against infection at facilities for the elderly, or have young people in general be aware of protecting the elderly.

I think one of the important points is to prevent the elderly from becoming seriously ill by making an overall effort, such as by inoculating those who have not been vaccinated for the fourth time.

Unfortunately, this disease cannot be eliminated at this stage.

I would like to emphasize that although the Omicron strain has certainly a lower severity and mortality rate, this virus has a very strong transmission of infection.

If we focus only on the fact that the rate of aggravation is low, it means that there will be no medical strain, but that is not the case.

As the infection spreads more and more, naturally, the number of severely ill or dead people will increase at a certain rate.

I think it is necessary to take basic measures, vaccination, and at the same time increase the capacity of medical care as flexibly as possible so that the spread of infection does not cause medical strain.

What does "Corona turn into a disease" mean?

Reporter:

The subcommittee's urgent proposal stated that "the debate on corona as a disease should still begin."

What kind of discussion was there?

..

Chairman Omi:

Information was limited two and a half years before the outbreak of the new corona began.

During this time, I think that I have taken a fairly strict response because I want to somehow protect the lives of Japanese people.

However, with the Omicron strain, it has become clear that although the rate of transmission of infection is very fast, many people are mildly infected.

A better understanding of the disease, including how the infection occurs.

Although not perfect, vaccination rates have also risen.

Initially, information was limited, so we started to do it strictly to protect people's lives, but as we learned a lot, we needed to do it a little more flexibly.

There is a slight gap between the current state of Omicron strains and the required response, so it is necessary to fill that gap.

It may be overwhelming in various parts of the socio-economics and put unnecessary burden on people, so by filling the gap a little, I think it is better to gradually change toward becoming a normal disease. That is.

Reporter:

How do you think the medical system will change if Corona is positioned as a “one disease”?

Chairman Omi:

I think one thing is to take appropriate measures according to the severity.

At this point, I think it is necessary for as many medical institutions as possible to be involved in and participate in infection control.

However, it is not very realistic to have all clinics do it.

Clinics also see general patients.

It is not possible to stop it altogether and deal with Corona.

There is also a division of roles in local medical care.

I think it will be necessary for as many medical institutions as possible to participate in the clinic, where general patients are also examined, but corona patients are also examined as much as possible.

The other is health observation.

Infected people are supposed to be informed by the health center and to observe their health, but depending on the severity, the system should be flexible so that the patient can consult with them. I think we should change it.

"Corona in class 5" is not the norm

Reporter:

Is it to change the treatment under the Infectious Diseases Control Law from "equivalent to class 2" to "class 5"?

Chairman Omi:

We used to take strict measures, but I mentioned that there is a gap between the measures we have taken so far and the measures required according to the actual situation of Omicron stocks.

I think we need to fully discuss what changes are needed and what new responses are needed to gradually close the gap.

There should be a firm debate about how to fill the gap and what is the most appropriate response.

Rather than first deciding "equivalent to class 2 or class 5," we should firmly discuss what kind of gap should be filled to provide the most appropriate response.

I think the reality is that we are gradually approaching Class 5 in terms of the actual operation of the law, such as whether to report all of them and whether to observe health.

If you immediately decide to make it into Class 5, you will be told, "Please handle everything at your own risk."

For example, nowadays, even if you get infected, you don't have to pay various expenses.

However, when it comes to class 5, you will have to pay for it yourself.

Because of that, I think it's important for everyone to have a solid discussion of what the law is and what is required to fill that gap.

For example, I think that the country is thinking about fixed-point surveillance, but I think it is necessary to think about it.

Reporter:

What are the requirements to treat Corona as a "disease"?

Chairman Omi: In

order to become a “one illness,” the medical system must be adjusted little by little, so it cannot be done in a hurry.

I can't decide today and tomorrow.

In a rather medium- to long-term span, it is not only necessary to have a vaccine, just like influenza, to literally become a "normal disease" in the true sense of the word, but if infected, it is immediately common. I think one of the important conditions is to have a drug that is accessible to humans and that is cheap and easily accessible.

Not a "1 or 0" response To reduce the number of deaths

Reporter:

In Europe and the United States, mitigation is progressing and we are not wearing masks, and we have not checked the total number of infected people.

Chairman Omi: In

a big direction, I think that both Europe, the United States and Japan are gradually moving toward socio-economics.

Even in Japanese society, "I want to restore the socioeconomics" is the overall intention of society.

I think so too.

On top of that, is there a Japanese way or a Western way?

I have taken strict measures for a long time, but suddenly I came here and suddenly relaxed the measures, including wearing a mask, in order to turn the socio-economic situation.

In these places, the vaccination rate is as high as in Japan, but the number of deaths and hospitalizations per capita has been much lower than in Japan, but much higher than in Japan.

I strongly support the gradual liberation of society in Japan as well.

However, I think it's better not to suddenly say that you don't need a mask even indoors.

If the room is poorly ventilated or the distance between people is close, wear a mask with a little care for a while.

I think that easing gradually and carefully will lead to a reduction in the number of deaths.

The direction is to move society little by little while taking measures firmly.

A well-balanced steering is required.

I feel that such a method is required in Japan, not "1 or 0".

Reporter:

There is also the question, "How long should I continue to vaccinate?"

Chairman Omi:

So far, the virus has not followed the tendency to turn into a common illness like the common flu.

One expert calls it the "yo-yo phenomenon," but he repeats that if he thinks the nature of the virus is a little closer to the flu, then it's farther away.

It's a virus that is still undergoing change.

In particular, the development of a vaccine for "BA.5" is currently underway, and considering that, we feel that the current fourth vaccination may not be immediately the final vaccination. It is one.