After state of emergency is called, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare produces policy regarding care facilities for the disabled

Written with extracts translated from NHK

April 8th 2020

In response to the emergency declaration, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has announced a response policy for facilities for the disabled.

In the area where the declaration of a state of emergency was issued, when facilities are closed, municipalities and others are requesting that alternative services be secured.

In areas where an emergency has been declared, the prefectural governor may request facilities with disabilities to restrict use if it determines it is necessary to prevent the spread of the infection.

According to the policy set by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to local governments, even if there is no request for restrictions on use, users are encouraged to consider reducing services, such as having them refrain from going to places where possible.

In addition, when a user becomes infected or the infection spreads significantly in the area and the facility is closed, municipalities and others cooperate with other establishments to provide an alternative, and demand that welfare services be secured.

In areas where no declaration has been made, it is important not to require a reduction in services, but to take sufficient measures to prevent infection and provide services on an ongoing basis.