Tokyo’s authorities decided to converse a facility designed for the 2020 Olympics to accommodate people with mild symptoms of the new coronavirus, Asia Nikkei reports on Friday.
While as the Japanese capital grapples with rising infections, the Metropolitan Government welcomes steps of repurposing different buildings, for instance, that designed for the Olympics. In fact, it is able to accommodate up to 8,000 police officers and other personnel during the Olympics.
Following news on postponing of the OG, the facility may be converted to receive patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms after undergoing minor changes.
So far, Tokyo authorities are negotiating with private hotel operators to lease several buildings, with a target of securing rooms for 1,000 people.
In fact, patients with mild symptoms are generally required to stay at home, but the government will have them stay at hotels if there is a risk of infecting family members. For Japan where there are many elderly people that aspect is a key.
Japan: COVID-19 infection continues to hit population
In Japan, about 700 beds have been secured to treat people with COVID-19, while Tokyo reported on increased by 97 on Thursday, the biggest daily bump to date. Amid the coronavirus crisis, there is growing concern over a shortage as the number of infected people continues to rise.
In general, the Tokyo government says about 80% of currently hospitalized patients have mild symptoms of the novel virus. The meeting of officials from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has elaborated the decision that the city will ask these patients to move to their homes or temporary facilities.
In addition, the ministry has notified local authorities that patients with mild or asymptomatic conditions do not have to be hospitalized. Such a measure aimed at minimizing of coronavirus spreading inside the country.
