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On August 2, 2021, the Prime Minister held a meeting of relevant ministers on the healthcare delivery system for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Prime Minister’s Office.

At the meeting, the participants discussed the healthcare delivery system for the novel coronavirus disease.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister made the following statement:

 “The number of infected cases in the Tokyo metropolitan area hit a new record high with the infection spreading nationwide at a rapid pace, more than double that of the previous week.

Looking at the infection situation, the percentage of cases aged 65 and over, who are at the highest risk of developing severe symptoms, has dropped significantly, while in Tokyo, younger generations in their 30s or below account for 70% of the cases, with more than 1,000 daily cases in their 20s. As a result, the number of elderly people in critical condition has remained at a low level.

The number of deaths nationwide stood at five yesterday, in sharp contrast to May when the number temporarily exceeded 100 in a day.

Meanwhile, healthcare facilities are becoming increasingly under severe strain, especially in Tokyo. The number of cases in their 40s and 50s in critical condition in Tokyo has increased from 18 at the end of June to 53 yesterday. As ordinary healthcare is increasingly under strain with the increase in the number of emergency transport of patients suffering from heat stroke and other illnesses, the sharp increase in infected cases has resulted in an increasing number of people who have had no choice but to stay at home to recuperate, unable to be hospitalized immediately.

In light of the progress of vaccination and changes in the infection situation, we have compiled a policy to ensure the healthcare delivery system enabling the provision of necessary medical services to patients with severe, moderate, and mild symptoms respectively.

For those with severe symptoms and those at a particularly high risk of developing severe symptoms, we will ensure the availability of beds so that they can be admitted to hospitals.

For the rest of the patients, we will put in place a system whereby they can be hospitalized as soon as their conditions worsen while otherwise staying at home to recuperate.

We plan to distribute pulse oximeters so that local clinics will be able to carefully monitor the situation through home visits and online consultations. To this end, we will increase medical fees for home visits.

For those with a risk of household transmission or other risks, we will provide hotel rooms under an enhanced healthcare system.

We will also actively administer breakthrough therapy that reduce the risk of developing severe symptoms by 70% to those with underlying diseases in their 50s or over, thereby promoting initiatives covering patients at home as well.

Implementation of such policies requires further cooperation from those in healthcare, and I will be making direct requests to medical associations and healthcare professionals as early as tomorrow.

Today, we have expanded the areas subject to measures under the state of emergency declaration. With the number of infected cases rapidly increasing, our biggest challenge is to ensure that the healthcare delivery system works. Under the policy compiled today, the Government will do its utmost in cooperation with local municipalities. We request that all citizens avoid unnecessary outings, as well as eating and drinking in large groups, to help prevent further spread of the infection."