Regarding the position of the new corona under the Infectious Diseases Act, Prime Minister Kishida will consult with relevant ministers on the 20th and instruct them to consider measures to move to the same "5 category" as seasonal influenza. increase.
After discussions at the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare council, it is expected to be transferred this spring.
The new corona is positioned as "equivalent to type 2" under the Infectious Diseases Law, and strict measures such as movement restrictions are to be taken to prevent infection.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the number of new infections in the week ending on the 19th has been on a downward trend nationwide compared to the previous week.
Based on these things, Prime Minister Kishida will discuss with Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Kato and others on the 20th and instruct them to consider measures to shift to the same "5 types" as seasonal influenza.
After discussions at the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's Infectious Diseases Subcommittee, it is expected to be transferred this spring.
If we shift to "Category 5", it will be possible for general medical institutions to accept patients, and there will be no restrictions on behavior such as waiting for infected people or close contacts. Further discussion will take place.
In addition, medical expenses such as examinations and hospitalization, which are currently covered by public funds, will be borne by the patient himself/herself.
On the other hand, there are voices saying that the handling of masks indoors should be unnecessary in principle, except for people with symptoms, and the government will consider it while listening to the opinions of experts.