The health system measures put into place in Japan to contain the spread of COVID-19 are:
– On 28 January, the Cabinet issued a decree to list COVID-19 as a disease that the Infectious Disease Act and the Quarantine Act apply. With the decree enforced on 1 February, the authority can order the patients about forced hospitalisation and restrictions on work, mandate immigrations to take laboratory tests, and provide medical care with the costs shouldered by the government.
– On 14 February, the government decided the use of the contingent funds included in the FY 2019 budget to finance a package of immediate measures including increasing the testing capacity, subsidising production of masks and antiseptic solutions, and promoting development of therapeutic drug.
– On 17 February the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) asked people with cold symptoms, a fever 37.5 Celsius degree or over, a strong feeling of weariness or shortness of breath to isolate themselves at home and wait four days before contacting a doctor.
– The Basic Policy announced on 25 February prioritised the provision of medical service to vulnerable people such as the elderly and those with underlying diseases.
– The second measures launched on 10 March included measures for containment in childcare and long-term care facilities, support for the supply of masks, expansion of PCR testing and medical care capacity and development of therapeutic drug.
-7 April measures and the first and second supplementary budgets for FY 2020 further increased health spending.
The published information can be found here
