NHK World Japan

Japan's Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide says coronavirus patients without severe symptoms, or those who are not at risk of developing such symptoms, will be asked to recuperate at home, in principle.

Suga attended a meeting of relevant Cabinet ministers on Monday and unveiled a policy designed to ensure access to necessary medical care according to each patient's condition.

He said the government will prioritize securing enough hospital beds for patients with, or at risk of developing, severe COVID-19 symptoms.

He said others will be asked to stay at home, in principle, while a system is put in place to have them admitted to hospital as soon as their condition deteriorates.

For non-hospitalized patients, pulse oximeters will be handed out so they can monitor their blood oxygen levels. Local clinics will be granted larger payments for making house-calls to carefully follow each patient's condition. Patients who may infect family members can isolate at hotels with proper health management systems in place.

Suga said a recently authorized antibody cocktail that can reduce the risk of hospitalization or death by 70 percent, will be actively used for patients aged 50 and older and those with underlying conditions. He said the government will also allow use of the drug for people recuperating at home.

The prime minister said he will ask for cooperation from medical societies and hospital officials. He said the biggest challenge amid the rapid surge in infections is keeping the medical system functioning properly.
Suga pledged that the government will do its best, by cooperating with local authorities.

He also renewed his call for people to follow anti-infection measures, such as refraining from nonessential outings and dining in large groups.

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