Antibody tests administered by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry to confirm infection history of the new coronavirus began Monday. Specimens will be collected from roughly 10,000 people in Tokyo, Osaka and Miyagi prefectures and the results will be compiled by late June.
With the cooperation of municipal governments, the ministry is set to receive blood samples from about 3,000 people aged 20 or older in each of the three prefectures.
In Tokyo, the 3,000 people to be tested will be in Itabashi, Toshima and Nerima wards. Letters requesting cooperation will be mailed to residents, and blood samples will be collected at designated venues. On Monday, a mock test was shown to reporters at a venue in Itabashi Ward, showing how nurses wearing transparent plastic face shields will take blood.
Residents of Natori, Miyagi Prefecture began to visit the testing site before 9 a.m. After confirming their names and having their temperatures taken at the entrance, they are shown an explanatory video in the waiting room before moving to the inspection booth. The blood was taken by a nurse of the Miyagi Anti-Tuberculosis Association, which was entrusted with the inspection work.
A 69-year-old part-time worker in the city who took the test said, "I want to make sure whether I have any antibodies or not. The test may be good for society." Tests will be conducted by the Miyagi prefectural government at 13 locations in eight cities and towns until June 7. Residents will be notified of their results in June.
Concerned about the coronavirus? Look for information and contact numbers here if you suspect you have contracted the virus and are exhibiting symptoms.
PLEASE NOTEThe Japan News is providing this story for free to help all readers keep informed about the coronavirus.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
.png?w=600)
