On January 20, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged to promote discussions on the possibility of downgrading the COVID-19 epidemic to the level of seasonal flu this spring.
In Japan, infectious diseases are classified into 5 groups, of which Infectious Diseases The most dangerous such as plague and Ebola are classified in group 1. The following groups have a decreasing level of danger, such as group 2 with tuberculosis, group 3 with cholera, group 4 with yellow fever and group 5 with sick seasonal flu.
Particularly, the COVID-19 epidemic belongs to the category of “new flu and other diseases” outside of the above 5 groups. This is a list of diseases with a level of danger equivalent to infectious diseases in group 2, but applying strict epidemic prevention measures equivalent to infectious diseases in group 1.
If translated COVID-19 being included in group 5, the equivalent of seasonal flu, this will be a landmark change towards the normalization of socio-economic activities in Japan.
[Nhật Bản cảnh giác sự lây lan dịch COVID-19 dịp Năm mới 2023]
This will help cut government spending on health Japan, because then the state will not have to pay the entire cost of medical examination and treatment for patients with COVID-19. In addition, people who are sick or have close contact with sick people will not need to be isolated.
Along with the plan to downgrade the COVID-19 epidemic, according to Kyodo news agency, speaking to reporters in Tokyo, Prime Minister Kishida also said that the government will review the regulations on wearing masks and measures. prevent the spread of this disease.
However, at present, the majority of Japanese people are still concerned regarding the danger of the COVID-19 epidemic. The latest public opinion poll conducted by NHK television from November 1, 2022 to December 6, 2022, with the participation of 2,266 people aged 18 and over, showed that 84% Poll participants expressed concern regarding the COVID-19 epidemic, while only 16% said no.
Of the survey respondents, 98% said they still wear masks and wash their hands regularly to prevent the spread of COVID-19; 67% avoid crowded places or enclosed spaces; and 61% still maintain social distance.
Dao Thanh Tung (VNA/Vietnam+)