Japan moves to focus resources on severe COVID-19 patients
Young, low-risk patients will no longer need a doctor's diagnosis to confirm an infection as fears grow over the strain the omicron variant is putting on Japan's health care system.
Why Japan won't say the coronavirus is transmissible over long distances
There is a growing scientific consensus that the virus is more airborne than many originally thought, but the government claims the jury is still out.
Government-affiliated institution in Tokyo becomes coronavirus-only hospital
It is the first time for the organization to turn an affiliated institution into a hospital dedicated to coronavirus patients.
The government has been looking to ease restrictions around November, when it aims to finish vaccinating all those who wish to be inoculated against COVID-19.
Top COVID-19 adviser warns new school term could strain Japan's medical system
Despite the risk, public health expert Shigeru Omi said he believes elementary schools can give in-person classes if infection countermeasures are taken.
Japan's top COVID-19 adviser slams IOC's Bach over return to Tokyo
Shigeru Omi questioned the IOC chief's decision to visit the capital again, since the government has been urging people to stay at home and telework to help curb coronavirus infections.
Japan's top COVID-19 adviser wants more doctors to tackle crisis
"We hope they will be involved as much as possible. We want the state and local governments to make strong requests," Shigeru Omi said.
Japan's top COVID-19 adviser hesitant over plan for children to watch Paralympics
Shigeru Omi, chairman of a government subcommittee on the nation's COVID-19 response, expressed caution Thursday over the plan during a Diet hearing.
Suga declines to roll back controversial COVID-19 hospital policy
The PM said he would seek public understanding that the policy, which asks patients with less serious symptoms to isolate at home, wouldn't necessarily be implemented uniformly nationwide.
As COVID-19 cases surge, Suga remains reluctant to impose strict lockdown
Countries that have implemented strict restrictions “saw a decline in infections due to lockdowns, but the cases surged again ... they had to rely on vaccines after all,” Suga said.
Japan prepares to expand state of emergency as infections surpass 10,000
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is expected to announce Friday evening that the measure will be widened to Osaka, Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba prefectures.
Japan's top COVID-19 adviser calls for new approach as restrictions become ineffective
Shigeru Omi believes that instead of restricting people’s movement, Japan should focus more on taking advantage of its "excellent science and technology” to halt the virus in its tracks.
