Nationwide spread of infections shows need for caution and action

The spread of the new coronavirus has not slowed. How to deal with the situation during long weekends and summer vacations will determine the future course of infections. Each and every member of the public should be alert and thoroughly prevent infection.

In Tokyo, the number of virus cases per day exceeded 200 for four consecutive days. In addition to the Tokyo metropolitan area, which has been the center of infections lately, the number of cases is also rapidly increasing in other prefectures, including Osaka, Aichi and Fukuoka. The situation can no longer be said to be limited to specific areas.

Even though the surge in the number of virus cases is due partly to an increase in the number of people being tested, there are growing concerns that a second wave of infections might come.

The problem is that the infections have spread to various age brackets. In Tokyo, those in their 20s and 30s account for more than 60% of the total, while those in their 40s and 50s account for about 20%. It is feared that the infections will spread from these age brackets to the elderly through contact at home.

Clusters of infections have also occurred at many locations. Infections are spreading not only in nightlife districts, such as restaurants and bars where customers are attended to in close-contact settings, but also in general restaurants, facilities for the elderly, company training centers, university training camps and day care centers. It is also worrisome that infection routes are unknown in many cases.

While the danger of enclosed spaces is widely known, the risk of infection at places where voices are raised, such as theaters and parties, is attracting renewed attention. Both facilities and users should try to avoid crowding and prevent the spread of airborne droplets.

The medical system is in an unpredictable situation. In Tokyo, the number of coronavirus inpatients has risen to about 1,000, nearly five times the number one month ago, and the number of patients in serious condition is increasing, too. If the number of patients surges in areas where the medical system is fragile, the supply of medical care could suddenly become tight.

It is important to secure hospital beds and prevent patients from falling into a more serious condition. Avoiding the collapse of the medical system and maintaining services for non-coronavirus patients is also an important role for hospitals in charge of regional medical services.

Treatment of coronavirus requires a great deal of manpower, including for testing and disinfection. The prolonged epidemic has exhausted health care workers and public health center officials in charge of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. It is essential to reduce their burden by such measures as allocating support personnel in areas where there are many infected people.

With the start of the government’s tourism subsidy campaign “Go To Travel,” many tourists have been visiting sightseeing spots other than in Tokyo. If the promotion of the campaign leads to the spread of infections from urban areas to rural areas, it will be meaningless.

Those who are not feeling well should refrain from traveling. It would also be wise for elderly people, who are prone to become seriously ill, and young people, who account for a significant number of cases, to refrain from traveling in groups. Travelers should learn to prevent infection by, for example, avoiding crowded places and choosing to visit tourist spots when they are uncrowded.