Cases of the new COVID-19 variant omicron has been confirmed in Japan. We should take all possible precautions to prepare for community-acquired infections, while continuing with border control measures.

       It is said that the omicron variant could be more infectious than the delta variant -- which caused Japan's fifth wave of coronavirus infections -- and of possibly weakening the effects of current coronavirus vaccines.

       The Japanese government is taking a heavy-handed response to omicron as a "preventative measure" until the nature of the variant becomes clear.

       A man who entered Japan from Namibia and another from Peru were confirmed to be infected with the omicron variant. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare is considering all passengers on board the same flights as the men as having been in close contact with them, and is requesting that they all stay at government-designated accommodations.

       It is difficult to completely prevent a virus from getting into the country with border control measures. It is important to swiftly identify and contain community-acquired infections.

       In addition to thorough viral genome analysis to identify whether a coronavirus infection is caused by the omicron variant, we would like for experts to promptly come up with a quicker method to discern what variants are causing infections using PCR tests.

       When a case of coronavirus caused by the omicron variant is confirmed, public health centers must conduct contact tracing and prevent infections from spreading. A medical system that can respond immediately to surges in patients is also crucial.

       The health ministry has been requesting that prefectures secure enough beds at medical facilities so that they can deal with 30% more patients than at the peak of the pandemic's fifth wave. Viability, such as benefits for medical workers, must also be ensured. Beefing up collaboration with clinics that care for those who are resting at home is also important.

       The main emphasis of coronavirus countermeasures will change depending on infectiousness, the efficacy of vaccines, and the risk of developing severe symptoms.

       There is a chance that the emergence of the omicron variant will lead to a sixth COVID-19 wave. We are entering a season when infection risk is high to begin with. Last winter, infections surged over Christmas and the year-end season.

       If there are signs that infection may spread, the government should not hesitate to restrict the public's activities once again. Limits on dining at restaurants are relaxed now because infection numbers are low, but we can assume that we may face a situation demanding a review of these lax rules.

       It would be inexcusable to allow the medical system to become as strained as it was this past summer. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has repeatedly said, "We will assume the worst." It is time for him to act on his words.

       Font Size S M L Print Timeline 0