Regarding the response to Omicron strains, the government is trying to contain the spread of the infection through free inspections in prefectures where infected people have been confirmed and requests for close contacts to wait at accommodation facilities, and the spread of the infection is rapid. In preparation for this, we are working to improve the medical care provision system, such as securing beds.
Regarding the new mutant virus of the new corona, Omicron strain, infected people have been confirmed in various places, and there are a number of cases that are considered to be community-acquired.
On the 31st, Prime Minister Kishida received a report on the latest infection situation from Secretary-General Yoshida of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare at the Prime Minister's Office, and instructed him to continue to pay close attention to the situation.
The government has continued to be on the utmost caution against Omicron strains, taking into account the fact that the infection of the new corona spread during this period a year ago and declared a state of emergency. We will endeavor to contain the spread of infection in Japan through free inspections and requests for people with close contact to wait at the accommodation facility.
In addition, in preparation for the rapid spread of infection in the future, we will work with local governments to improve the medical care provision system, such as securing beds, and patients will be able to swiftly use the new corona drug approved at the end of last year. We are rushing to deliver to medical institutions and pharmacies nationwide.
Furthermore, in order to accelerate the third vaccination, it was expected that the vaccination of medical staff and residents of nursing homes would be completed for general elderly people who shortened the interval between the second vaccination to 7 months. The local government also allowed it to move forward.
In addition to these measures, the government is calling on the public to thoroughly implement basic infection control measures such as washing hands and wearing masks, and if the infection spreads in the future, it will be flexible, including measures to restrict behavior. It is a policy to respond.