On the 23rd, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare will hold a subcommittee of experts to begin full-scale discussions about shifting the position of the new corona under the Infectious Diseases Act to "Type 5" this spring.
The focus is on the medical system and how public funds should be borne, and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare will decide when to make the transition by the end of this month, and then start full-scale discussions on individual issues.
In principle, the government plans to shift the position of the new corona under the Infectious Diseases Act to the same ``5 types'' as seasonal influenza, etc., in the spring, and in response to this, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare will start on the 23rd. We will have a full-fledged discussion in the subcommittee.
With regard to the medical system, after the transition to "Type 5", general medical institutions will be able to accept inpatients, and while it is expected to reduce the burden on medical institutions, new medical institutions will be able to accept patients. Infection control will be an issue.
In addition, currently, medical expenses such as examinations and hospitalization are covered by public funds, but there is concern that in the future, there will be more cases of people refraining from medical examinations if they have to pay for some of them themselves. Debate whether to continue or not.
In addition, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare will decide whether to continue free vaccinations in line with the transition to "Type 5" by the end of this year.
In addition, it is expected that consideration will be given to easing the wearing of masks indoors, including a plan to limit wearing to people with symptoms.
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare will decide when to shift to "Type 5" by the end of this month, and will start full-scale discussions on individual issues.