The novel coronavirus is spreading again, mainly in Tokyo. It is vital to prepare for the arrival of a second wave of infections by collecting the wisdom of a wide range of experts.
The government held the first meeting of a new panel for measures against the coronavirus. The new panel replaces the conventional panel of experts, which has provided scientific advice to the government's headquarters for combating the coronavirus and was created based on the revised law on special measures against new strains of influenza.
Based on analyses of the spread of infections and how tests are carried out, the new panel approved the easing of restrictions on entering venues for various events scheduled for Friday.
The new panel members comprise experts on infectious diseases -- including Shigeru Omi, who served as vice chairman of the panel of experts -- as well as economists, hospital officials and a prefectural governor, among others. It is timely that the government has put a system in place to reflect a multifaceted perspective in its policies in order to balance the prevention of infections with economic activities.
The question is how to implement the system and make it fully functional. It is essential for experts to make constructive proposals from their respective viewpoints and come up with concrete measures.
The new panel's discussions have a number of effects on people's lives. It is possible that there is a conflict of opinions over which should be prioritized -- preventing infections or economic activities. It is hoped that effective options will be provided based on data and evidence.
It can be said that the panel of experts has achieved certain results, such as demonstrating a policy of prioritizing measures against infection clusters, which lead to mass infections, in the early stages of the outbreak.
On the other hand, some members of the panel of experts were criticized for jumping the gun as they explained measures against infections and called on people to refrain from going out through social media.
Experts have apparently come to the fore because the government has been busy coordinating with relevant ministries, agencies and local governments on countermeasures, including border controls and a project to provide cash benefits, thus leading to poor communication with the public.
What is important is to make the decision-making process more transparent. How has the government utilized expertise in making final decisions? Making the public aware of this will lead to trust in policies. Politicians must make such efforts with a sense of responsibility.
The previous panel of experts did not provide detailed meeting minutes. It is natural for the new panel to decide to keep minutes. It is important to enable verification of its meetings.
In the fight against infectious diseases, a delay in judgment of one to two weeks has serious consequences. Many of the characteristics of the coronavirus remain unknown, and other countries are also being forced to make difficult decisions while groping for measures, such as locking down cities.
In the medium and long term, it is urged that a powerful secretariat be set up in the Cabinet Secretariat and a system be established to collect information and make appropriate policy decisions.
-- The original Japanese article appeared in The Yomiuri Shimbun on July 7, 2020.
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