Apr 25 (Kyodo) - Japan's health ministry stepped up its support measures Friday for prefectures to secure accommodations for patients with asymptomatic or mild cases of the novel coronavirus amid a growing number of infections nationwide.
The move, which marks a shift in policy, follows the cases of two men in Saitama Prefecture who were self-isolating at home but died when their conditions suddenly took a turn for the worst. The government had originally recommended people with mild cases of COVID-19 to recuperate in their own homes.
Working with the Japan Tourism Agency, the ministry will confirm the number of vacant rooms at hotel chains and accommodation facilities across the country, as well as their willingness to cooperate, before passing on the information to local governments.
It has released a manual providing guidelines on the treatment of those with mild symptoms. It is requesting that local governments have a nurse present at all times at the accommodation facility, with a doctor made available via phone.
