The Japanese government wants to start priority vaccinations for the new coronavirus to care workers who work in facilities for the elderly. In fact, even in the same long-term care work, those who work in facilities such as elderly homes are eligible for priority vaccination, but those who work in home-visit care are not.
Of the total, 123 died at home, elderly nursing homes and accommodation facilities, while the other nine died at workplaces, parking areas and other locations.
A panel of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party drew up on Monday a set of urgent proposals including a request for group vaccinations against the new coronavirus for residents and workers at elderly care facilities.
The Japanese government has asked ten prefectures under its coronavirus state of emergency to launch an intensive coronavirus testing campaign at elderly care facilities. The action is in response to the growing number of cluster infections at such facilities.
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.”
