An expert meeting of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare was held to advise on measures against the new coronavirus, and the number of new infections is expected to increase in the future, and it is possible that the infection will spread like the ``seventh wave'' this summer. pointed out.

It is necessary to pay attention to the impact of the replacement of the Omicron strain "BA.5" with a new mutant virus and the increase in contact opportunities.

The expert meeting said that although the number of new coronavirus infections has not increased as rapidly as during the 7th wave, it is continuing to increase almost nationwide, especially in Hokkaido, where the number of new infections is the 7th. In addition to surpassing the peak of the wave and setting a record high, it is said that the Tohoku, Hokuriku, Koshinetsu, and Chugoku regions are greatly increasing.



In areas where the number of infected people is high, the increase in the number of infected people among children under the age of 10 is particularly large. The number of seriously ill people and the number of deaths are also on the rise, and the hospital bed occupancy rate is also on the rise nationwide.



As for the future, short-term forecasts in large cities say that the increasing trend will continue and that "there is a possibility that the infection will spread like this summer." He pointed out that it is necessary to pay attention to the impact of increased contact with people.



In addition, the proportion of Omicron strains such as "BQ.1" and "XBB", which is pointed out as a factor in the increase in the number of infected people overseas in place of Omicron strain "BA.5", is increasing. I think there is a possibility.



In addition, influenza is also on the rise in some areas, and it is necessary to pay attention to future trends such as simultaneous epidemics with corona.



As necessary measures, the expert meeting called for the completion of vaccination against the Omicron strain by the end of the year. We asked for reconfirmation of basic infection control measures such as ventilation, eating and drinking with as few people as possible, wearing a mask except when eating and drinking, and refraining from going out if you have symptoms.

Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Kato "Possibility of 8th wave"

Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Kato said, "The number of new infections continues to increase, although the pace is slowing down. There is an increasing trend, and although the evidence is not sufficient, there are also studies that suggest that it becomes more severe when infected at the same time as the new coronavirus."



After that, he called out, "To promote vaccination, we will work on various publicity and publicity activities such as SNS and leaflets. If you have not been vaccinated, please consider getting vaccinated."

The number of new infections in a week continues to increase by 1.24 times compared to the previous week

According to the materials presented at the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's expert meeting, the number of new infections nationwide in the week ending on the 16th increased by 1.24 times compared to the previous week.


The increase was narrower than last week, but the upward trend continues.



Among the three prefectures in the Tokyo metropolitan area,


▽ Tokyo is 1.24 times,


▽ Kanagawa is 1.29 times,


▽ Saitama is 1.27 times, and


▽ Chiba is 1.31 times.



In the Kansai region,


Osaka and Hyogo prefectures increased by 1.14 times,


Kyoto by 1.13 times, and



Tokai,


Aichi by 1.25 times,


Gifu by 1.32 times, and


Mie prefecture by 1.22 times.



In addition,


▽ 1.46 times in Kochi Prefecture,


▽ 1.39 times in Yamanashi Prefecture,


▽ 1.36 times in Fukui Prefecture, etc.


, increasing in 46 prefectures excluding Yamaguchi Prefecture.



The number of infected people per 100,000 people in the last week was


▽Hokkaido with 1093.61 people, exceeding 1000 people, the highest in Japan,


followed by


▽Yamagata prefecture with 860.65 people,


▽Nagano prefecture with 852.58 people,


▽Miyagi prefecture with 745.96 people.


▽Fukushima Prefecture has 722.09 people,


Akita Prefecture has 700.99 people, and it is increasing


in areas centering on Hokkaido and Tohoku.



In addition,


▽ 399.68 people in Tokyo,


▽ 296.38 people in Osaka Prefecture,


▽ 435.17 people nationwide.