The government decided to designate pneumonia caused by a new coronavirus found in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, as a "designated infectious disease" under the Infectious Diseases Law at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning. The government judged it necessary to take all possible measures to prevent the spread of the virus. It is the fifth disease to receive the designation since the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) designation in 2014.
In the case of designated infectious diseases, it is possible to take measures such as: (1) recommending the hospitalization of infected patients or those suspected of being infected, or forcing hospitalization if they do not comply; (2) limiting the work of infected patients; and (3) covering the treatment costs of hospitalized patients at public expense. "Effectiveness of hospitalization and testing can be ensured, and measures to prevent the spread of infection can be taken," said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, emphasizing the significance of the decision, at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting.
At the same Cabinet meeting, the government also approved a government ordinance to designate the pneumonia a "quarantinable infectious disease" under the Quarantine Law. The government can instruct people suspected of being infected with the virus to undergo tests and medical examinations on their arrival in Japan. Failure to comply is punishable. Both government ordinances will come into effect on Feb. 7.
Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Katsunobu Kato said the government would shoulder all hospital charges that patients must bear until the government ordinance on designated infectious diseases comes into effect.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
