As coronavirus infections mount, Japan at last expands testing COVID19
TOKYO - Alarmed by rising coronavirus deaths and the specter of the collapse of the medical system, Japan is scrambling to expand testing with drive-through facilities and general practitioners helping to collect samples.
Experts say Japan's strategy of keeping the number of PCR tests low has made it difficult to trace the disease as it spread in Tokyo and other big cities and led to a wave of in-hospital infections, crippling some facilities. There has been widespread criticism that phone lines for public health centers, set up by local governments and tasked to conduct screening for PCR test candidates, are always busy as people become more worried about infection.
"This is to prevent the medical system from crumbling. Everyone needs to extend a helping hand. Otherwise, hospitals would break down," said Konoshin Tamura, deputy head of an association of general practitioners in Tokyo's Suginami ward. In another bid to make PCR tests more available, the health ministry on Wednesday suggested to local governments that drive-through tests can bolster their capabilities.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Japan offers $930 virus stimulus payment to all residentsJapanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says they are 'moving quickly to deliver cash to all people.' coronavirus
Read more »
Cut in human contact not enough to contain coronavirus: Japan PM
Read more »
Philippines, Japan plan Avigan trials vs coronavirus before end of April
Read more »
Jennylyn Mercado shares what it's like to spend Halloween in Japan in latest vlogJennylyn Mercado reminisces her Japan vacation with her boyfriend Dennis Trillo last November in latest vlog. Watch HERE:
Read more »
New wave of infections threatens to collapse Japan hospitalsHospitals in Japan were increasingly turning away sick people as the country struggles with surging coronavirus infections.
Read more »
New wave of infections threatens to collapse Japan hospitalsHospitals in Japan were increasingly turning away sick people as the country struggles with surging coronavirus infections.
Read more »