Figures from Japan’s Ministry of Health show that the virus disproportionately affects older people.
The death rate for seniors 80 and older who contracted the virus was 11. 8 percent as of April 22. The rate is 5. 6 percent for 60-year-olds, 1. 7 percent for 60-year-olds and 0. 4 percent for 60-year-olds. for those in their 50s.
The death toll also includes two other people in their 30s and four in their 40s.
Some of the recent deaths highlight just how strained Japan’s health care formula already is. The Japanese government has asked coronavirus patients with mild symptoms to stay at home or in designated accommodation facilities to reduce hospital capacity for critically ill patients.
But a man in his 50s who was recovering at home with mild symptoms of the virus was found dead on Tuesday. He lived alone in Saitama Prefecture, north of Tokyo.
Public health officials contacted him the day before his death and he complained of a worsening condition and fever. Authorities say there appeared to be an emergency, so arrangements were made for him to be admitted the next day.
Earlier this month, a man in his 60s in the same prefecture developed symptoms of the virus and tested positive. Her symptoms were mild, so she was told to stay home until a hospital bed became available. But five days after testing positive, his condition suddenly deteriorated. He was sent to the hospital but turned up dead.
Health Minister Kato Katsunobu said he was now contemplating informing the local government that the general rule is that patients with mild symptoms should be taken to designated accommodation, rather than staying at home.
Omi Shigeru, deputy head of the government’s think tank, says some patients suddenly become very ill after a week. He says it would be less difficult to respond if they stayed in designated accommodation. It also says that older adults who are at higher levels are at risk of severe symptoms, seek medical attention without hesitation.