Regarding the position of the new corona under the Infectious Diseases Act, Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Kato repeatedly indicated his intention to make a decision while assessing the future infection status.
The novel coronavirus is currently classified as "type 2" under the Infectious Disease Law, and stricter measures are to be taken than "type 2" such as tuberculosis. The government is discussing a review, including lowering it to the same “5” category as seasonal influenza.
At a press conference, Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Kato commented on the legal position, saying, "It is necessary to create a foundation for sharing understanding with the public on how to evaluate pathogenicity, infectivity, and the possibility of mutation, and we need to deepen discussions with experts. I want it,' he said.
After that, he said, ``While proceeding with the discussion, I would like to make an appropriate decision while looking at the infection status,'' and indicated that he would make a decision on the review after assessing the future infection status.