January 28, 2022

The Welfare and Health Ministry’s data regarding the number of weekly coronavirus cluster cases which was released on January 26 indicated that the number of COVID-19 cluster cases which erupted at schools and child-related welfare facilities has rapidly increased.

According to the data, within the week starting on January 17, the number of cluster cases which erupted at schools and education facilities totaled 2,315, up 317 from the previous week, and 1,246 cases at child welfare facilities, up 156. Meanwhile, during the same time period, the number of cluster cases broke out at medical institutions and welfare facilities other than those for children stood at 1,553 (up 55 from the previous week) and 2,640 (up 130), respectively.

Reportedly, children are less severely affected by COVID-19 than adults. However, children with pre-existing medical conditions are at a higher risk of severe illnesses from COVID-19. So, it is necessary to put these children in the vaccine priority group and vaccinate them as soon as possible. Furthermore, in order to prevent the spread of infections among children at schools and education facilities, the enhancement of such facilities’ routine testing capacity is needed.

The Japanese Communist Party Dietmembers’ Group on January 27 submitted to the government a written request demanding urgent measures to deal with the current surge of COVID-19 infections fueled by the omicron variant.

In the written request, the JCP appealed for the need to further improve systems for focused testing and mass testing. In this regard, the JCP demanded that the government fully subsidize the cost of regular testing conducted at schools and day nurseries as well as at medical institutions and elderly care facilities.

Furthermore, the JCP urged the government to immediately take measures to distribute coronavirus antigen test kits to the general public through childcare centers, schools, and business entities.

Other demands in the JCP written request included supporting local municipalities’ efforts to accelerate their booster vaccination programs and providing financial support so that medical facilities in communities will actively engage in various activities, such as running a fever outpatient clinic and visiting patients under home isolation.