Japan Press Weekly

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2020 May 20 - 26 [POLITICS]

JCP calls for enhancing nation’s testing and healthcare capacity in preparation for 2nd wave of COVID-19 cases

The Japanese Communist Party on May 22 submitted to the government a written demand calling for strengthening the nation’s testing capacity and medical systems in preparedness for a possible second wave of COVID-19 infections.

The JCP’s demand compiled by its Dietmembers’ group was conveyed by JCP Vice Chair Tamura Tomoko in a meeting of a liaison council between the government and ruling and opposition parties held to discuss anti-coronavirus measures.

Explaining the JCP demand, Tamura stressed that now that the infection rate has slowed down, the government should immediately implement a policy to improve the conditions at medical facilities and increase the capacity for PCR tests. Tamura said that the urgent need is for the government to push forward with preparations for setting up community-level PCR testing centers and adjust the classification of hospitals according to their role in dealing with COVID-19 infections (i.e. hospitals designated for accepting COVID-19 patients and hospitals for those needing emergency treatment).

In addition, Tamura pointed out that currently, medical workers are suffering income cuts as medical institutions have fallen in the red due to the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis. She urged the government to provide financial assistance to such medical facilities so that they can continue paying wages in full to their employees.

Furthermore, Tamura said that in line with the growing importance of long-term livelihood support, the JCP in its demand calls on the government to continue providing subsidies to companies in distress and implement financial measures that cover all workers including freelance workers, and non-regular workers.

Regarding the party’s demand for special support for individuals and businesses in the creative and sports industries, Tamura said that prior to other industries, these industries decided to follow the government’s business suspension request. She said that they deserve to receive economic assistance commensurate with their role in society.

Other demands made in the JCP document include, for example, the improvement of support programs and free-counseling services to needy people and the provision of financial aid to students.

Along with the JCP, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Democratic Party for the People together submitted a 21-point request which includes a request for government measures to compensate for the loss of earnings at facilities for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Past related article:
> Compensation for loss of income essential for gov’t emergency coronavirus measures: JCP [April 7, 2020]