Chair of expert committee notes short supply of hospital beds in determining that “Okinawa is having the toughest time” with COVID-19 in Japan

Chair of expert committee notes short supply of hospital beds in determining that “Okinawa is having the toughest time” with COVID-19 in Japan


August 26, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

Tokyo – Takaji Wakita, the chairman of an advisory board of experts assembled to advise the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) on policies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, indicated on August 25 that Okinawa’s strained healthcare system as it battles with the spread of the coronavirus puts it in a situation that is, “the toughest of all 47 prefectures in Japan.”

According to data released by the advisory board, Okinawa’s “Hospital bed occupancy rate” was at 83.9%, and “Critical care bed occupancy rate” was at 88.2% (both figures as of August 23), and that it was “trending towards 90%.”

Regarding the necessity of establishing a special ward to treat COVID-19 patients, they indicated a cautious stance, noting “the situation is different from region to region,” and that the existing hospital beds and medical resources should continue to be utilized.

The committee explained for the spread of the disease among children, “There are many cases of infection clusters happen at school, and then the disease is brought home.” They indicated that they are not in favor of cancelling school for elementary and middle schools, and commented, “We want [schools] to look into postponing or canceling club activities and sports festivals.”

 

(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)

 

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