If the Japanese Government does not stay committed to suppressing the number of COVID-19 patients, Japan's healthcare might crumble. (Image via Time Out)

Experts: Japan's healthcare might collapse due to surge of COVID-19

On Wednesday, a panel of experts formed by the Japanese Government warned that the Japanese healthcare system might collapse if the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is not suppressed. Urban areas such as Tokyo has seen a sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.

While the country has not seen any surge so far, the Japanese health experts recommended that the healthcare system in Tokyo and four prefectures: Kanagawa, Aichi, Osaka, and Hyogo, are under growing strain and a drastic countermeasure are required as soon as possible. The Japanese Government plans to unveil guidelines on the reopening of schools.

Speaking earlier on Wednesday, the Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshihide Suga, confirmed that the Education Ministry would make a detailed guideline on the reopening of schools, shut down since late February.

The Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, stated that he would consider reopening school, depending on opinions expressed at the panel discussion. In late February, Abe requested school closure, urging the workers who are staying home to take care of their children while balancing their work.

In addition, the recent spike of COVID-19 cases in Tokyo raised the government officials and medical experts, perceiving that the lockdown announcement is looming large.

Suga said that while Japan is facing a health crisis, the current situation does not call for a state of emergency. Abe added that the Japanese Government will compile the biggest stimulus package ever next week, extending more supports for the domestic airlines hit by the travel ban. Domestic airlines are predicted to suffer ¥1 trillion revenue fall over the next 12 months.

Source: https://bit.ly/2UBdrtO