2 Years Since COVID-19 Reclassified as Category 5; Rise in Other Infections

"Breaking news ""Gunma Prefecture"".

By AI of ""Isesaki FM"".

May 8th marks two years since the new coronavirus was classified as ""Class 5"" under the Infectious Diseases Control Act.

Over the past two years, the number of reported infectious diseases other than COVID-19, such as mycoplasma pneumonia and whooping cough, has increased significantly throughout the country, including Gunma Prefecture.

In particular, last winter, a record influenza epidemic caused hospital beds to become scarce in some areas.

In preparation for such situations, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare is urging local governments across the country to improve their medical systems, such as securing hospital beds.

While Gunma Prefecture has achieved this goal, there are other local governments that have not yet achieved it, and progress varies from region to region.

Continued preparations for infectious disease control will be required in the future."