新型しんがたコロナ 変異へんいウイルス広ひろがる “新しん学期がっきの時期じき 感染かんせん対策たいさくを”

As the number of COVID-19 patients continues to increase, a variant virus that is somewhat more infectious than previous ones is spreading.

Experts in infectious diseases are warning that, as schools enter the new semester and peoples movements become more active, the number of patients may continue to increase. They are urging people to take infection prevention measures, such as wearing masks and ventilating rooms.

According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the number of COVID-19 patients reported by approximately 3,000 medical institutions nationwide in the week up to the 10th of this month was 23,126, with an average of 6 patients per medical institution.

13 people, and it has increased for 8 consecutive weeks compared to the previous week.

According to the National Institute of Health Crisis Management, as of the 16th of last month, among the new coronavirus variants detected in Japan, one type of Omicron called NB

１

８

1 accounts for approximately 40%.

According to Dr. Atsuo Hamada, a visiting professor at Tokyo Medical University who is knowledgeable about infectious diseases, this mutated virus is considered to be somewhat more infectious than previous ones, but there does not appear to be a significant difference in the rate of severe cases.

Professor Hamada, a visiting professor, analyzed the current outbreak situation, saying, COVID-19 typically has two peaks each year, in summer and winter, and it appears that the increase in patient numbers is due to more active movement of people during events like the Obon holiday. He also warned, As schools start a new semester and people become more active again, there is a risk that the number of patients will continue to rise until around the middle of next month, and is calling for infection prevention measures such as wearing masks and ventilating rooms.