The daily number of people confirmed to be infected with the novel coronavirus in Tokyo recorded its highest level, exceeding 200 on consecutive days. If the increase is not stopped, a second wave of the epidemic will become a reality.
It is hoped that each member of the public will reexamine whether there has been any loosening of their vigilance against the virus and renew their awareness of the need to prevent infection.
A breakdown of the number of infected people in Tokyo shows that the number of young people in their 20s and 30s is increasing. Compared with middle-aged and elderly people, many of them are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, and they are more likely to move around actively. This could be a factor in spreading the infection.
Young people should be aware that if they infect the elderly, there is a high risk of serious illness, and they should act with caution.
The spike in the number of known infected people is believed to be the result of group testing of people involved in businesses in nighttime entertainment districts that involve close contact with customers, such as host clubs. It is true that many employees at these businesses are infected with the virus, but it will not be possible to prevent another wave of infections by simply placing the blame on particular industries.
The problem is that the Tokyo metropolitan government has not disclosed enough information.
In addition to the nighttime entertainment districts, many people contract the virus at ordinary gatherings for meals or parties, or from family members. Information on the specific circumstances of these cases has not been disclosed.
In addition to the age bracket and sex of those infected with the virus, the Osaka prefectural government has announced their place of residence, date of onset and relationships with other infected people. This data makes it easy to take preventive measures, serving as a kind of indicator of where and how the infection is spreading.
It is important for the Tokyo metropolitan government to thoroughly explain the situation to the extent possible while giving due consideration to personal information.
Restrictions on holding various events were eased from Friday. Spectators may now enter venues such as for J.League and professional baseball.
The organizers are making various efforts to reduce the risk of infection. It may be inconvenient that it takes a long time to enter and leave the venue and that the spectators are not able to cheer loudly. Still, it is important to respond to the calls of the venue to be aware of the need to prevent infection while enjoying watching the games.
Obviously, people who are not feeling well must refrain from going to events. For the time being, it may be better to avoid going to events in rural areas from urban areas. Building up expertise in infection control and fully reviving the events are things to be hoped for.
Given the huge economic impact, it is difficult to again ask the restaurant industry to close their businesses all at once.
It is important to consider effective restrictions, such as asking specific restaurants, where infections have been found, to refrain from opening. It would also be useful to set up a system to have customers keep a record of their visits to restaurants with their smartphones in case of infection.
All possible measures must be taken to establish a system to prevent another wave of the epidemic while maintaining economic activities.
-- The original Japanese article appeared in The Yomiuri Shimbun on July 11, 2020.
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