58 infected with coronavirus at welfare facility in Chiba

Well, The government. downplayed the reality all to try to save the Olympics. Gave everyone a false sense of security and everyone infected each other without even knowing it. All because of Olympics. Our blood is on your hands.

The Olympics were more important for Abe, now, reality struck.

this whole Let's have a meeting with 100 people or whatever has to come to an end.

S i t t i n g t o o c l o s e !

Why aren’t health workers being checked as a matter of course?

Many posters are correct;the level of awareness is startlingly low...

under testing has come back and bitten Abe in the butt. Really poor feckless leadership buy a man who is more about posturing and chumming up to Trump than looking after his people. How many will die because he wanted his precious Olympics? The similarities to Trump's mismanagement are stark.

The Abe administration is proving to be as inept as the Trump regime.

Look at the muppets in the picture with this article. Abe's "Task Force", their assistants, and the press are all cheek by jowl in a small room. Surprisingly for Japan, the majority of them are not wearing masks as if they are in some sort of display of defiance against the virus, or perhaps they are trying to show the public that everything is just like normal. It isn't. Once again, sclerotic Japan Inc cannot or will not make the changes that are necessary to deal with a crisis.

Mass Infection at places like welfare facilities also involving welfare staffs are hard to hide. 2 weeks later we will be told everyone who got in contact with the infected had been traced and tested and the situation brought under control like Osaka did with the livehouse infections.

Most of the infected welfare workers commuted by train and we know tracing in the train is impossible. What a joke.

Tha photo says it all.

A large group of mostly older men tightly packed together in an enclosed space. What do they not understand about how the virus is spread?

social distancing at its best?

Look at these morons sitting all next to each other, 1.8 metres hello?

So, are they ready to believe wearing a mask does nothing to protect you and they must start strict social distancing? They need to wash and sanitize their hands regularly and stay away from people. The city regions of Japan are too densely populated to make suggestions or urges. They have to take strict proactive measures to stop the spread of this virus.

We must support our government who take decisions based on expert advice. I trust that Japan's high hygiene and advanced medical practices will stop the virus. Thank you for publishing my message.

@Hanakawa - We must support our government who take decisions based on expert advice. I trust that Japan's high hygiene and advanced medical practices will stop the virus. Thank you for publishing my message.

Yes, the same government that has had over three months to address the inevitable mass-outbreak of this virus and all they have done is make suggestions and urges. However, they did give corporations more tax cuts, I suppose. (roll eyes)

The Japanese government is only making reactive changes, but by the time there are mass-outbreaks and hot spots it's too late. They need to shift their focus from the financial impact of closing companies and start getting concerned about the immense cost of treating a third of the population for COVID-19, which is not an unreasonable prediction with the current complacency of preventing the spread of this virus. Companies must be closed and people must be distanced.

And someone will dismiss this below as insignificant, or a worthwhile sacrifice for the economy,,,

Japan is a stunning laggard when it comes to testing for COVID-19. Japan is currently testing at a rate of 215 test per million people. Thailand, Peru, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Ecuador, and Costa Rica, to name a few, are all testing at a higher rate than Japan. None of the other G7 countries test sat a lower rate than Japan.

In a country that is obsessed with testing, it is worth pondering why the government of Japan is a laggard when it comes to testing for COVID-19.

Looking at the picture, are there any specialist that we CAN trust on that task force? Or are they all politicians that have no idea what they are doing. And Mr. Abe, giving everyone money will not make us happy though will help us eat. Saying what you are "considering" will not help us feel at ease and "urging" people to do things will not get us out of this mess. Strong leadership and leave the specialist to do their job without .. I repeat WITHOUT interruptions.

We must support our government who take decisions based on expert advice. I trust that Japan's high hygiene and advanced medical practices will stop the virus. Thank you for publishing my message.

What evidence do you have that the Abe government is making decisions based on expert advice?

It is unforgivable in my opinion, that Abe knowingly led the people into a false sense of security and now are facing an explosion of numbers of people with the virus.

People have been calling for increased testing from across the world, yet Abe ignored it.

I sincerely hope that the LDP take him to task for this and his other screw ups!

HanakawaToday  07:24 am JST

We must support our government who take decisions based on expert advice. I trust that Japan's high hygiene and advanced medical practices will stop the virus. Thank you for publishing my message.

You mean the experts like Mr. Kato of Ministry of Health and welfare who has a degree in Law and no experience in the field .... oh except for the Diamond Princess, and we all know how that went.

YubaruToday  07:50 am JST

.......... People have been calling for increased testing from across the world, yet Abe ignored it.

I sincerely hope that the LDP take him to task for this and his other screw ups!

Don't hold you breath Yubaru, LDP is a family and family don't turn on family.

We must support our government who take decisions based on expert advice.

Experts hand picked by the ministry of health whose main purpose is safeguarding theirs and the bureaucrats interest at the expense of the larger population. A true medical expert will advocate more testing and not make a mockery of the medical profession by lying the country is holding against the virus.

yeah I thought this was going to happen. Once it gets into those homes, it wont be good.

What we're starting to see now is the fallout from Abe's Olympic denial manifesting in mass infections.....the 2 week lag between initial infection and the actual onset of symptoms is all the virus needed to rage through the population like an invisible wild fire....and Abe's olympic policy was to effectively turn off the water supply.

Yubaru - It is unforgivable in my opinion, that Abe knowingly led the people into a false sense of security and now are facing an explosion of numbers of people with the virus.

Mate, it's not about the testing. It's too late when people have it. It's about distancing people to stop the spread. They've had the heads stuck up their butts with dreams of getting the Olympics to go ahead and it's only now the Olympics have been postponed are they turning their attention to the epidemic. Shopping centers and shopping districts, parks, trains, pubs, restaurants, cafes and karaoke all need to be shutdown immediately and people must stay at home. Due to the complacency shown by the J-gov Japan will have no choice than to go into complete lockdown in an attempt to control the spread of this virus.

Japan has ignored the examples set by other countries and are still trying to do it 'the Japanese way', which is only going to involve many meetings and more procrastination resulting in even more infections and hotspots. "Abe fiddled while Tokyo burned!"

We must support our government who take decisions based on expert advice. I trust that Japan's high hygiene and advanced medical practices will stop the virus. Thank you for publishing my message.

God help us if your's is the consensus opinion of the Japanese people! Abe and his cabal have had months to observe the implosion of the rest of the world, seeing them make the same errors of judgement and underestimate the speed at which the virus was able to get a foothold and then take off....He saw it all and it was obvious what needed to be done! All of them are now wishing they'd acted sooner and with much harsher measures, but Japan is like the global dunce, once again displaying its pathological ineptness for making hard decisions hoping to ward it off with a wall of cabinet meetings , expert panels, symposiums and sub committees...They are a joke that nobody is laughing at anymore!

None of us have the right to assume or predict what the consequences are. We all are not experts...not even the most high intellect scientists nor the leaders of the world can say what is right or wrong for the prevention of the virus. Maybe it’s better for us to prioritize self discipline first than blaming others...just saying

Looking at the picture, are there any specialist that we CAN trust on that task force? Or are they all politicians that have no idea what they are doing

Yes, Fukushima repeat. Many briefings from clueless panels and hype to keep us "informed" At least this time its not a Japan specific problem, meaning we can make decisions based on how its being dealt with abroad. The Fukushima disaster was truly terrifying because the strange hunker down mentality and trust the top kicked in, but all the while most knew it was not to be trusted.

The picture is just so wrong. So many people were not wearing masks. Those not sitting at the table do not need to be there since they were only listening. Ever heard of something called Facebook Live? To go even further there is video conferencing app like Zoom which could get rid of all those around the table. My 70 year old mother is watching the live streaming of her Sunday church service on Facebook now. She used Zoom for her prayer group yesterday. A small church can do it and the Japanese government cannot do it right? Are they too optimistic, too stupid or just too lazy?

It might going to the same situation as it in US or Europe.

I really hope the government’s quick and the most suitable response.

Prime Minster Shinzō Abe must arrange these so called task force meetings, first and formally in a teleconference format/environment. Practice what you are preaching. The photo is bonkers in motion.

Sclerotic Japan Inc

"Sclerotic: grown rigid or unresponsive especially with age: unable or reluctant to adapt or compromise" - Webster

I learned a new word today!! And excellent use, too. Thanks, Bruce Chatwin!

But, but, but.....

On TV just now, an official connected with the Japanese government when asked by panel about the low rate of testing in Japan, compared to Germany, which tests and traces each case (as much as possible) and keeps a very low death rate, said this:

It is Japanese policy to focus on the 20% who will get it bad. The other 80% of people who get the virus will get over it naturally. Therefore it's not important to test.

If that's the case, why bother to test those at the facility in Chiba? We're they ALL serious cases that require hospitalisation?

Also what is the point of testing people coming back from overseas, then? Are they also serious??

And, what about other clusters? By their logic, it is meaningless testing people, unless they have really, really serious symptoms, right?

Japanese government policy is a joke and makes zero sense. It's inconsistent and hypocritical. The people of Japan deserve better.

"Sclerotic: grown rigid or unresponsive especially with age: unable or reluctant to adapt or compromise" - Webster

I learned a new word today!! 

Me too!

1,000 words = 1 picture.

OH BOY. Just wait until Abe gets the virus and then he will take it seriously. Right now everyone in Japan is not taking this virus seriously, it seems normal for them. In my company there is this one guy who looks sick, coughing but no one tries to tell him to stay home. Sure Japan has its bad things too, any government isn’t perfect, but with this pandemic thing going on and other countries are taking it seriously, why Japan isn’t?! Because Olympics is their priority more then the health of its people? Japanese people are so blinded to look at the wrong doings of their government. They need to open up more, also to show compassion and freedom and to stop saying “shoganai” it’s so old school. It’s 2020 and it’s time to feel FREE. If you’ve lived in Japan you’ll feel like your freedom is taken away from you not like in other countries such as American etc. But I still have hope, hopefully Abe will take this matter seriously within days. Because I fear that if they don’t act quickly then the virus will punch Japan really hard, so hard that it’s economy will go down.

It goes a bit like this….. dependent on your respiratory system, that the mushy rubbery bits, tubes and whatnot responsible for taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide, or those with a moderate to severe asthma condition, obesity, diabetes, liver disease, pregnancy, undergoing cancer treatment. Or a heart condition, high blood pressure, will be crucial to your survival coming into close contact with a person infected with this pathogen.

Now take a another look at the photo above, every person in that room travelled one way or another, they could have contracted the disease spread from person to person through moisture from the nose or mouth, i.e. when an infected person coughs or sneezes at any time, and all will travel home. If there is smarter solution to office based working, take it, because coronavirus is spreading under the radar.

It is Japanese policy to focus on the 20% who will get it bad. The other 80% of people who get the virus will get over it naturally. Therefore it's not important to test.

Yes, and in that way, the official number of cases of infection is artificially kept low. The down-side (well, one of them), is that the mortality rate will look alarmingly high!

I haven't used public transport for well over 3 months, but just out of curiosity, has JR started putting soap in the restrooms at their stations? And are half the men coming out of the cubicles still leaving without washing their hands?

Mar. 17 08:27 am JST Posted in: Scramble for hospital beds in Nagoya shows coronavirus challenge for aging Japan See in context

Unfortunately & incredibly frustrating BUT it is likely once AGAIN the govt of Japan is going to let its citiens & residents down with an attempted cover up, hiding what is really going on

And the lack of testing...….criminal negligence almost assuredly resulting in deaths to come!!!

I hope by some miracle I am wrong, SHAME, SHAME on the J-govt!!!

Unfortunately my predictions, same made by many here, are coming true...…..

I say try abe & koike in the HAGUE!!!!

If that's the case, why bother to test those at the facility in Chiba? We're they ALL serious cases that require hospitalisation?

Because they are tracking clusters of infected people. As part of this, they will test you if you were in contact with another infected. This is all in line with their policy from the beginning. They are working tirelessly day and night to track down the infected.

Well, The government. downplayed the reality all to try to save the Olympics. Gave everyone a false sense of security and everyone infected each other without even knowing it. All because of Olympics. Our blood is on your hands.

What exactly is it you are trying to claim? That this group infection would have been ignored a couple weeks ago? Because there was a similar case in Hyogo that was well reported before the olympics were canceled.

So basically, Shinzo called Power Rangers Assemble! on Saturday night and a couple of hundred people turned up for this carefully scripted PR event, all jammed into a small room with most unmasked...and then he announced NOTHING NEW. Absolutely nothing.

WTF are these people thinking about? And which Ginza restaurant did he shuffle off to stuff his face in after the PR opportunity?

has JR started putting soap in the restrooms at their stations?

No.

And are half the men coming out of the cubicles still leaving without washing their hands?

Some still run out quickly to avoid the accusatory gaze but others are making a slight effort, allowing a dribble of cold water to slide across a couple of fingers before wiping their hands on their pants.

Quite a crowd.

Skype? Zoom? No good?

On TV just now, an official connected with the Japanese government when asked by panel about the low rate of testing in Japan,

Watched the program heard what this so called professor said defending the low testing and I just switched off the TV.

Has this virus attacked the ability for these so called experts to think or is it downright nationalism and we-are-special-brainwashing that is at work.

I count about 50 people in that room and I see about 6 masks. I guess they don't want to fear monger.

Quick! Open the schools!

Don't hold you breath Yubaru, LDP is a family and family don't turn on family.

From experience, the LDP will eat him like a cannibal if his polling numbers fall low enough. They've done it in the past to countless numbers of PM's and Abe is nothing special in that regard.

The only thing Abe could do if things got hot for him, (His wife Akie) and his poll numbers dropped, into the teens, would be to call a snap election and dissolve the lower house of the Diet.

But now he cant because of the virus pandemic.

It would be a huge political risk, but if Abe keeps screwing up, the opposition could call a vote of no confidence and force the issue, but the result would be the same, an election, which would effectively end Abe. But again, because of the virus, it wont happen.

Hence my previous statement about the LDP doing something about him after this has all passed.

"It is a grave situation," Chiba Gov Kensaku Morita told a press conference

Great choice of words

I’m curious how many of those canaries in the coal mine (RE: photo) will end up with COVID-19 from that meeting. A fine example of what NOT to do. I can only pity the people of Japan that have this bunch of foolish leaders to rely on for support.

We all are not experts...not even the most high intellect scientists nor the leaders of the world can say what is right or wrong for the prevention of the virus. Maybe it’s better for us to prioritize self discipline first than

wrong 2 week isolation has and is working in China, all Japan needs to understand now is whats more important the economy or actually saving peoples lives

Abe is doing no better than his boss in Washington. Instead of closing the door to the Virus he is preparing the money to patch up the damage that lack of prevention will cause. in two weeks from now Japan will catching up with other worst cases.

Some still run out quickly to avoid the accusatory gaze but others are making a slight effort, allowing a dribble of cold water to slide across a couple of fingers before wiping their hands on their pants.

Your talents are wasted if you're not writing for a living.

Pukey2Today  02:32 pm JST

It's funny how when certain viruses or diseases start in America, they're never called an American virus or disease.

Rocky Mountain Fever, Norovirus, Legionnaire’s Disease, well you get the hint so I'll stop there.

Get it right, people. Those paper masks are not capable of filtering out the minuscule C. virus. Wear them if you are sick (or a hay fever sufferer). Otherwise, just wishful thinking.

Get it right, people. Those paper masks are not capable of filtering out the minuscule C. virus. Wear them if you are sick (or a hay fever sufferer). Otherwise, just wishful thinking.

As has been stated a million times, people can be sick and not know it. So wearing them in times like this can really help stop the virus from spreading. If only they stopped old people from buying them all and hoarding them.

To add:

Not wearing masks to protect against coronavirus is a ‘big mistake,’ top Chinese scientist says

https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/03/not-wearing-masks-protect-against-coronavirus-big-mistake-top-chinese-scientist-says

Q: What mistakes are other countries making?

A: The big mistake in the U.S. and Europe, in my opinion, is that people aren’t wearing masks. This virus is transmitted by droplets and close contact. Droplets play a very important role—you’ve got to wear a mask, because when you speak, there are always droplets coming out of your mouth. Many people have asymptomatic or presymptomatic infections. If they are wearing face masks, it can prevent droplets that carry the virus from escaping and infecting others.

58 out of how many in the facility?

@Gobshite

Love the moniker.

According to NHK, This facility is set up by Funabashi City, and the city outsources its management to the designated manager, the Social Welfare Corporation Sazakankai. The facility was opened in 1974, and currently has a total of 70 people in their 20s and 80s with intellectual disabilities, six short-term residents, and three users who regularly visit the facility. According to the prefecture, the facility has 67 staff members (!!!).

Wear them if you are sick

Many don’t know they are carrying and spreading this virus.

I’m not qualified in this area, but from what I’ve read, it seems there is evidence that these masks can help stop the spread of viruses.

Your dislike of them will not change this.

Japan's inability to handle a crisis is due to their complacency and nonchalant stance on everything. They will pay the price for not having acted sooner.