Category: COVID-19

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 7, 2024 Number of comments0
COVID-19 Disability Elderly Japan Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. Podcast Shog.A.I. Shimbun

The Shog-A.I. Shimbun #17: Prejudice Against Ex-Leprosy Patients in Japan & Other New Fiscal Year News

A disability news-related digest from the first few days of April 2024 in Japan, the beginning of the fiscal year. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. says that water leaked “into ‘beni-koji’ production tank in past.” Japan’s Health Ministry conducted a poll that revealed 35% of people are prejudiced against ex-leprosy patients and 2024 brings changes regarding policies about health and for people with disabilities in Japan.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 5, 2024 Number of comments0
Coronavirus COVID-19 Health Japan Welfare

No Public Aid for COVID-19 Medical Services in Japan from April

Japan will no longer provide public aid for medical services related to COVID-19 from April, the health ministry officially announced on Tuesday.

After the end of the public aid, patients will be asked to pay 10 to 30 pct of COVID-19 drug costs out of pocket under the country’s health insurance system. Hospitalization subsidies will also be scrapped at the end of this month.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 25, 2024 Number of comments0
Coronavirus COVID-19 Japan

COVID-19, Flu Cases Remain High in Japan

Both novel coronavirus and influenza cases remain high in Japan, prompting experts to urge people to continue taking basic countermeasures such as the use of face masks, hand-washing and ventilation.

According to the data, new COVID-19 cases reported in the week to Feb. 11 stood at 13.75 per institution. By prefecture, Ishikawa in central Japan had the largest number, at 21.91, followed by Aichi, also central Japan, at 20.06.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 20, 2023 Number of comments0
Coronavirus COVID-19 Disability Japan

New Round of COVID-19 Vaccination Begins in Japan

A new round of COVID-19 inoculation in Japan began Wednesday, mainly using vaccines that are effective against the XBB.1.5 subvariant of the omicron strain of the novel coronavirus.

The vaccination is available for free to all people aged 6 months or older who have received at least one shot. The round will run through the end of next March, with the vaccination costs covered by public funds.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 18, 2023 Number of comments0
Coronavirus COVID-19 Japan Mental Health Pandemic

Pandemic-Linked Depression Recognized as Work-Related in Japan

Japanese labor authorities have recognized depression developed by a woman who handled COVID-19 patients at an elderly care facility in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan, as work-related, a lawyer representing the woman said on Friday 18th August 2023.

The woman, in protective clothing, changed diapers for residents, served meals to them and carried the bodies of the deceased residents. While working, she had to see the faces of the deceased residents, who were wrapped in transparent bags to prevent infection, the lawyer said.