The Japanese government is expected to prioritize medical workers and elderly people for vaccination against COVID-19, as work to develop vaccines for the disease caused by the novel coronavirus shifts into full gear.
Of the 49 fatalities in flood-ravaged Kumamoto, 14 were from the Senjuen nursing home near the Kuma River, which overran its banks at 11 locations and broke one levee, according to the prefectural government.
Nursing care experts warn that older people in need of such services could thus suffer from increased muscle weakness and declines in cognitive ability by foregoing treatment.
At two facilities for the disabled, operated by a social welfare corporation in Tokorozawa City, a total of 10 staff members and users were found to be infected, and the prefecture was examined as a cluster.
Out of providers of home-visit nursing care services, almost 30 percent have seen their face mask stocks depleted, the survey also showed, underscoring the serious situation facing those who have regular contact with elderly people, who tend to develop severe symptoms once they are infected with the virus.
“The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said Tuesday that 26 nursing homes and group homes for elderly people with dementia in seven prefectures remain damaged after flooding. Some elderly residents have been forced to move multiple times during evacuation, which has had an adverse impact on their health.”
“For many disabled children who are not hospitalized, it is often the mother who must care for them, but in Asahi’s case both his parents are able to go to work because of the nursing care he receives at home for up to eight hours on weekdays.”
“Authorities say about 260 people are stranded in a nursing home in Saitama Prefecture, north of Tokyo, due to a flood.”
“A woman in her 30s was found floating on a bath tub while bathing at around 5 pm on the 11th May according to Edogawa Ward officials. The woman was taken to the hospital but was confirmed dead.”
“In the first extensive survey conducted by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry on people working in the nursing care industry, 81 percent of those reporting harassment said they had been psychologically abused at least once in 2018.”
