In preparation for the simultaneous spread of the novel coronavirus and seasonal influenza, the health ministry has decided to strengthen the medical system for outpatient care and examination, including increasing the number of regional clinics where tests are conducted in outdoor tents.
This plan was presented at a meeting of an advisory body to the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry on Monday.
From autumn onward, many people are expected to be infected due to the simultaneous spread of coronavirus and flu virus. Both bring on fever, and it is difficult to distinguish between them. It is urgent that regional medical systems be able to sufficiently carry out the examinations necessary for diagnosis.
The ministry aims to make it possible for clinics registered with prefectural governments to test for the two viruses, in addition to regional outpatient and testing centers conducting the test for the coronavirus. People who are suspected of being infected should make an appointment at these clinics over the phone.
The ministry is considering not involving consultation centers for returnees and people who have had close contact with infected persons, because having these centers between patients and medical institutions delayed infection checks during the first wave of the coronavirus.
To prevent the infection of other outpatients, the ministry is also calling for the establishment of a system in which tests are conducted in cars and outdoor tents, and multiple clinics rotate their acceptance of patients with fevers on different days of the week.
The ministry plans to notify local governments of these policies in the near future.
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