Correspondent
The coronavirus death toll in Japan passed the 10,000 mark just one day after the government implemented a third state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka, Hyogo, and Kyoto prefectures to stem a rising tide of infections.
The death toll reached 5,000 roughly one year after the first coronavirus case was confirmed in the country. But it has taken only three months for that figure to double. During that span, the virus has hit the elderly particularly hard. Over 66 percent of victims were aged 80 or over; 23 percent were in their 70s; and just over 7 percent were in their 60s.
But Takeda Shinhiro, the head of a medical group that studies coronavirus patient care, says the situation is changing and that young people should be cautious.
Correspondent
Japan s government says it is lifting the coronavirus-related state of emergency imposed on six prefectures that include Osaka, Aichi and Fukuoka at the end of February. But the measure will remain in place for Tokyo and its neighboring prefectures.
The Japanese government declared the emergency last month. Officials asked people to refrain from non-essential outings, and asked restaurants and bars to shorten their hours.
The governors of Osaka, Hyogo, Kyoto, Aichi and Fukuoka have asked the central government to end the declaration earlier than planned. They say the number of coronavirus cases and the occupancy rate of hospital beds for seriously ill patients are generally declining.
A marked decline in the number of coronavirus cases in Japan has officials considering lifting a state of emergency earlier than planned except for the Greater Tokyo Area. But there are concerns lifting the decree too early may trigger a rebound in cases.
Japan to vaccinate 40,000 healthcare workers in first phase of COVID-19 vaccination drive ANI | Updated: Feb 18, 2021 12:07 IST
Tokyo [Japan], February 18 (ANI): Japan will vaccinate 40,000 healthcare workers in the first phase of the COVID-19 inoculation drive, reported NHK World.
The Tokyo Medical Center Director, Araki Kazuhiro was the first to receive the jab. I think the vaccine is the trump card in the coronavirus pandemic. If data from our shots are analyzed and used by public health officials, I would be very grateful, said Araki.
Around 800 medical staff will be inoculated in the initial round and the recipients will be monitored for 15 minutes. There have been no reports of any severe reactions so far, reported NHK World.