Advancing COVID-19 response through three approaches

Regarding COVID-19, based on expert analyses from our newly established monitoring panel, we will take versatile measures to respond as needed to the spread of the virus.

It was under these conditions that we issued a “warning that COVID-19 is spreading” two days ago. Through new monitoring activities conducted under the two categories, “infection situation” and “system for the provision of health care,” the panel of experts commented that “it is believed that the infection is spreading,” and on the analysis of the system for health care, that “it is believed that the system must be built up.”

The number of new positive cases has been trending at a high level, with us also recently seeing days with cases surpassing 200. We expect that this number will rise even more as we substantially increase the number of tests administered to control the spread of infection, so we should keep an even closer watch over the situation.

Although young people make up many of the cases, the infection is spreading among other age groups, with those in their 60s and older now accounting for around 10 percent of all cases. If the virus spreads even more among the elderly and those with underlying conditions, the healthcare system could suddenly become strained. We must maintain a strong sense of crisis and while also considering the opinions of experts, the TMG will take preemptive steps based on these three approaches.

The first approach is controlling the spread of infection through an aggressive expansion of testing. Under the current testing system, we can administer up to around 6,500 tests per day. We will further expand our testing capacity to 10,000 tests per day through, among others, support for the introduction of the latest testing equipment and collaboration with university hospitals. We will especially encourage employees at eating and drinking establishments with host/hostess services to actively take tests, and also support public health centers whose work has increased due to more testing. Tokyo will thus try to prevent the spread of infection by identifying people infected with COVID-19 at an early stage.

Concerning the health care provision system, which plays a pivotal role in COVID-19 response, the number of hospitalized patients is projected to rise while that of serious patients remains at a low level. Against this backdrop, we are proceeding with preparations to expand the number of beds for moderate patients to 2,700. We will continue to take all possible measures, including the opening of two new designated hotels for the recovery of patients with no or mild symptoms, to build a system that will allow the people of Tokyo to feel safe.

The second approach is taking focused measures based on the actual circumstances of communities, in addition to common measures taken across Tokyo. To stop the spread of infection in various locations in Tokyo, we must reinforce efforts that match the realities of the local areas. By working together with the public health centers and municipalities, and sharing information and challenges, we will hammer out and advance effective measures.

The third approach is taking detailed measures according to age group and business category. For example, because senior citizens are at high risk of developing severe symptoms, we will ensure that infection prevention measures are thoroughly taken at social welfare facilities and other places. Other detailed response includes efforts taken in cooperation with the municipalities for types of businesses that pose a high risk of infection.

In an effort to further strengthen our ability to respond to infectious diseases, we will advance our preparations for the creation of Tokyo's version of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), which I pledged in my election manifesto. When established, the institution will become the center for the analysis and evaluation of information gathered at the TMG, public health centers, hospitals, and research organizations, respectively; appropriate decision-making in crisis management; and dissemination of information to the residents. By consolidating the functions of the existing Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health and other organizations, and organically collaborating with national institutions, universities, and the like, the center will further enhance our preparedness against crises. As part of this effort, the TMG is working to strengthen its response, including creation of the post of Director General for Health Crisis Management Promotion and the new Infectious Disease Control Division in the Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health. We will continue to dynamically push forward measures for the early realization of the center.