Tokyo reports 18,891 new coronavirus cases; nationwide tally 99,695

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Avoid large crowds,

仮面をかぶる

Remember to continue to wear mask when in public.

ワクチン 痘苗

For Moderna & Pfizer Vaccines Remember to get fully vaccinated, means 2X - twice - 二回

Those fully vaccinated should get BOOSTER after 5 months, 五ヶ月 事後, ブースター after being fully vaccinated.

For Those Seeking Vaccination Sites in Japan,

https://v-sys.mhlw.go.jp/search/

コロナワクチン ナビ

https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=en&tl=ja&u=https://v-sys.mhlw.go.jp/search/

btw, for those who think corona is mostly harmless, or like the flu, read the first 4 paragraphs of this report which was released just today

https://www.science.org/content/article/covid-19-takes-serious-toll-heart-health-full-year-after-recovery

the study was done on over 11m people and showed no matter age, medical condition, whether u were hospitalized or not, your chance of long term permanent heart damage was significantly increased. The report also states that covid is likely to become the number 1 cause of all heart decease in the coming years, even more so than smoking and obesity.

Hasn't reached it's 20k peak and is steadily falling. 

The test capping is preventing cases to go above 20k.

Just a few more than 20K tests yesterday.

Just short of 19k positive results.

So I'm sure that's all fine and there's no risk in cancelling work from home.

nonu6976 Today  05:12 pm JST

btw, for those who think corona is mostly harmless, or like the flu, read the first 4 paragraphs of this report which was released just today

https://www.science.org/content/article/covid-19-takes-serious-toll-heart-health-full-year-after-recovery.

Thank you for sharing this information.

Yes the test capping has prevented it getting much higher. And this applies not only to Tokyo but to most prefectures where they too bounce around at their current highest levels because they too simply do not do ( either do not want to or simply do not have the capacity ) enough tests for it to be able to get any significantly higher, A smaller prefecture never gets tests in the thousands they simply cannot process that many tests.

However two days running now the daily totals are less than the previous week same day totals and this may indicate the peak has been reached. like Okinawa and Hiroshima. As much as the nay sayers may want the current peak to continue forever along with their exaggerated Omicron fear mongering (which is simply not backed up by any science), the fact is the numbers will decline and maybe quicker than previous waves and also simply Omicron is not as serious as previous waves ( fully confirmed by the science now)

I tested positive for coronavirus today after having had symptoms of fever and body aches on Tuesday.

I called a clinic at 9am this morning and booked an appointment, got an appointment at 11am. Filled out a form and took a PCR test. And then got the result a few hours later.

I'm doing quite well now (just a little groggy) and happy to have a couple of days off work to be honest.

What I did want to say is that it was very easy to get a test - literally the first clinic I called made me an appointment.

There is no limit or shortage or cap on tests and anyone saying otherwise is making up stories.

There is no limit or shortage or cap on tests and anyone saying otherwise is making up stories.

your story reveals there's no contact tracing ... hence, they're not looking for potential cases, hence automatic capping

down 1,788 from last Thursday.

Great news, let's follow the UK lead and remove all covid restrictions including face masks.

This is artificial peaking affected by the national capacity for testing. We'll stay in this peak for a long time (2-3 weeks) at least until booster shots kick in.

TokyoJoeToday  05:36 pm JST

down 1,788 from last Thursday.

Great news, let's follow the UK lead and remove all covid restrictions including face masks.

Do you know that you can not wear face mask if you want. No Japanese will tell you to wear one.

Also, with comparing Japan with UK ?

Cap or not, it does not matter. Omicron is very infectious

You measure infection rate by testing so yes, capping matters if you want to know how a variant is infectious.

Fortunately for Japan, other countries did enough testing to bring the information to light.

gakinotsukaiToday  05:45 pm JST

Cap or not, it does not matter. Omicron is very infectious

You measure infection rate by testing so yes, capping matters if you want to know how a variant is infectious.

Fortunately for Japan, other countries did enough testing to bring the information to light.

I know it is relevant to know the situation of an infection. But Japan never choose this way during this pandemic. And it's far too late now.

This is completely false. If you want a test, you can get a test.

you're completely wrong.

A strong testing strategy is to make tests mandatory. Saying "get a test if you want" (and keep contaminating others if you don't want) is not wanting to know the real infection rate.

From my experience of testing positive for coronavirus, only my immediate family were deemed close contacts. However, the people around me were able to get tested either using antigen kits supplied by the ward office, or through private clinics. Some tested positive, others didn't. I haven't heard of anyone who was unable to get a test. I don't necessarily agree with the definition of a close contact in Japan, and I know people who are unhappy about the fact that infected people and close contacts are able to return to work/school without a negative test result, but I will say that as swamped as they are right now, the health officials did contact me personally about my health condition, as did the private clinic where I was tested, and the ward office.

A strong testing strategy is to make tests mandatory. Saying "get a test if you want" (and keep contaminating others if you don't want) is not wanting to know the real infection rate.

Lol what

1) It will cost you a lot in money

My test today was free. I paid for the medicine only which was only 2,000 yen.

2) It will cost you a lot in time -- how came Taro san is not at his desk shuffling papers from one pile to the other?

Only took me 30 minutes. Most of which was spent filling out a form.

I have been tested twice and both times it was covered by my healthcare insurance. I don't know if that is the case for non-symptomatic cases, however.

I suspect many people here can't handle the Japanese language (no shame in that) so are resorting to cynicism.

Could be it.

If for whatever reason you end up stuck, there's a list of testing sites in Tokyo here:

https://tokyo-kensasuishin.jp/img/business.pdf

I used a nearby clinic that's about a 10 minute walk from where I live. If you google your nearby heath clinics, you should be able to get a test there as well.

Hope everyone stays healthy and safe.

There is no limit or shortage or cap on tests and anyone saying otherwise is making up stories.

You are either uninformed or misinformed:

https://mainichi.jp/english/search?q=shortage+tests&la=en-US&da=all&s=dd

Let’s leave behind personal beliefs and/or insufficient knowledge.

We have to work together (collectively) to beat this virus.

Let the researchers do the work in understanding this virus.

We have to be patient. It is a pain in the b*** to follow all the restrictions but that is all we have.

I do disagree about people making up baseless stories about shortages and capping of tests. I think it is completely irresponsible and it needs to be called out.

So call out those who put together this report,

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220127/p2a/00m/0sc/005000c

and their sources, who include Fumio Kishida (Prime Minister, Japan), Denka Inc (test kit manufacturer) and Professor Tetsuya Matsumoto (International University of Health and Welfare, an expert on infectious diseases).

Personally I'm more likely to believe the manufacturer and the infectious disease expert than a random internet poster who makes unsupported assertions. (I might pass on the Prime Minister of Japan)

So call out those who put together this report,

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220127/p2a/00m/0sc/005000c

Thanks for the link, I didn't read (yet) but based on title there's a shortage of antigen tests.

You are either uninformed or misinformed:

You'll note of the articles in that list that are even relevant, they are all trying to boost the supply of tests. Did you actually read them?

"About 386,000 PCR tests could be performed per day as of Jan. 23, but only about 100,000 of them were self-pay tests."

If we're to believe there's a cap on tests at 20,000 a day like you seem to be suggesting, then there should be more than enough right?

But maybe that's why you linked to a bunch of search results rather than an article - to try and obfuscate to make a baseless point that there's a mandatory cap on tests - there is not.

If you go to the doctor with symptoms in Japan, you can get a test. Like I did today. It is that simple and posters here claiming that you cannot do this are at best irresponsible and at worst acting in bad faith.

That article is about the demand for rapid lateral flow test kits, which were previously available from drugstores. FWIW, I tested negative with one of those kits the night before my positive diagnosis. If you're going to use them, you need to do multiple checks over the course of a few days, IMO.

Thanks for the link, I didn't read (yet) but based on title there's a shortage of antigen tests.

The fear mongers buy them all up. They need to test themselves everytime they go outside and see their shadow!

I'm sure you know what you're talking about this time, you test regularly you said:

Expotential WitnessToday  06:06 pm JST

You can get a test, but:

1) It will cost you a lot in money

2) It will cost you a lot in time -- how came Taro san is not at his desk shuffling papers from one pile to the other?

It cost me ¥2,300 for my test. Twice a month. If that is alot of money then I suggest you switch occupations.

>

Just a quick trivia pcr tests are different from antigen tests

 I was sick a few days ago. Called a clinic and had a PCR test with results in less than 3 hours after placing the call. The parking lot was full of people waiting for PCR Tests. Not one person was denied a test. Now that the testing limit has been debunked, move on to your next conspiracy. I'll be here waiting.

Just because you are not informed, and it seems you are in denial about it, doesn't mean that stating there is a shortage of tests a conspiracy. Take a look for example at this article:

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220127/p2a/00m/0sc/005000c

And your individual anecdote at one clinic on one day is just that - one personal experience. I got PCR tested 3 weeks ago at a local clinic. That does not mean there is no shortage of testing capacity, and in fact doctors have been told they should diagnose Covid from symptoms for the under-50's, to cut down on testing (most will follow this, although some will still give you a test).

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220125/p2a/00m/0na/008000c

I got my booster 2 weeks ago, but that does not change the fact that over 90% of the population have not got their booster, and the majority will still not have access to one for weeks.

Don't try to extrapolate general trends from one personal experience.

If we're to believe there's a cap on tests at 20,000 a day like you seem to be suggesting, then there should be more than enough right?

But maybe that's why you linked to a bunch of search results rather than an article - to try and obfuscate to make a baseless point that there's a mandatory cap on tests - there is not.

If you go to the doctor with symptoms in Japan, you can get a test. Like I did today. It is that simple and posters here claiming that you cannot do this are at best irresponsible and at worst acting in bad faith.

You must be confused - I have never said there was a cap on tests. I referred to an article:

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220127/p2a/00m/0sc/005000c

The article reports that government policy asks doctors to avoid testing 'younger' (ie under-50's) patients and contacts. Yes - the government wants manufacturers to increase production of tests, but the manufacturer have responded there's a limit to how many tests they can manufacture. As you'll find out if you read the article.

But companies are not able to immediately shift to a system of increased production. Denka Co., Japan's largest testing kit manufacturer with a production capacity of 130,000 units per day, will from early February start operating its plant on holidays and after hours to increase production. The company said, "Considering the manpower and material procurement, it is difficult to shift to increased production in one or two days."

As it explains, government policy is currently to request doctors, in the face of a test shortage, to try and avoid testing the under 50's. Not every clinic will limit access to testing, but many will follow the government directive. The reporting in the article is neither irresponsible nor in bad faith. You are mistaken.

Some people fearmongeing regarding Long Covid, it’s irrelevant, data was taken from previous variants which were 10X more deadly and affected the lower respiratory tract.

Scientists don't make bald assertions, because there is simply not yet enough data to support that:

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/omicron-and-long-covid-what-we-know-so-far

But experts concur that more time is needed to know the long-term effects of these COVID-19 infections.

From what we have seen from previous variants, there is no evidence yet to claim that Omicron will not cause long COVID.

Caution in the face of insufficient evidence is not 'fearmongeing'. It's common sense.

The number of coronavirus-related deaths reported nationwide was 164

Rest in peace

Lock it down ! Not this fake SOE that is pointless. Restrictions? There aren’t any enforceable in Japan . Children are still leading the surge in new cases and Omicron is the most deadly variant of Covid in Japan to date. For the obvious reasons, Japan does NOT report the mortality rate in children of all ages with Covid . Rather it be 0-9 or 0-19, Japan does not publish the numbers of deaths in children. Checked Fact ! Have any children in Japan died from Covid? The only honest answer anyone can give is that they do NOT know. Case numbers are falling in Tokyo . Not ! The number of tests are falling. Everywhere else in the country , the numbers are rising . Including the country of Tokyo , hospitals are on the brink . Just quoting facts from this very news site ! No other variant is even equal to as deadly as omicron here in Japan ! Checked fact ! If you’re not scared , rather you be old , young , morbidly obese, fit and thin , sick or in perfect health, omicron can kill you ! The country wide peak is no where near yet and as adults, we have to protect the young, old , sick.

You must be confused - I have never said there was a cap on tests. I referred to an article:

Oh okay. Then maybe we're on the same page. I was only concerned about the PCR test information in that article because those are the tests used at hospitals. PCR testing isn't in short supply - just the antigen tests.

"However, demand for antigen test kits has skyrocketed with the rapid spread of infections, and they are reportedly in short supply."

So:

"If you want a test in Japan, you can see a doctor and get a test".

Agreed?

There may be no cap on the number of tests per day but very interesting why are the number of test per day always the same in Tokyo never much more than 30,000 , probably the lowest rate per capita in the developed world and with the highest positivity rates from those meagre test per day.. Is it coincidence? Or do people just not want to get tested ( unlike some here who have been tested multiple times) even though they very easily can if they want according to some? Or is the virus numbers just limited to these extraordinary numbers which see the positive numbers fluctuating around the same and unlikely to ever get any higher before they inevitably drop.

Queensland in Australia did an interesting experiment. They did some random COVID testing, Results were the same. Around 30% infected of which 90% had absolutely NO symptoms or no idea they had the virus! I imagine if you did a similar random test from a busy train in Tokyo the results would be similar or more likely even a higher % infected with no idea about it. This is Omicron.

There may be no cap on the number of tests per day but very interesting why are the number of test per day always the same in Tokyo never much more than 30,000 , 

The answer is that Japan just does this differently to other countries. The case numbers accurately represent the number of people who get symptoms that are significant enough to warrant going to a doctor and then get tested. So that demand for tests seems to be peaking out at the current number.

It's a little early to say but with two subsequent week on week drops in case numbers, we could have already passed the peak for case numbers which would align well with case numbers in early wave prefectures Okinawa, Hiroshima, and Yamaguchi.

Nonu6976 I totally agree with you on the heart stuff. I was just in with the cardiologist today getting tests post Covid. Even Omnicron is no joke in this regard. I had omnicron and the acute illness was over pretty quickly. I had chest pain on my left side for weeks. I did a battery of heart tests to see what’s going on. EKG,24 hour heart monitor and an echo cardiogram. I assume all tests are not life threatening as the doctor let me go home today.

anon99999, I have no doubt that there are a large number of people who are asymptomatic or believe they have a cold/flu/allergies and don't try to get tested. I don't think the system could handle the strain if everybody wanted a test. The people being tested on a daily basis, for the most part, either have symptoms of covid or are close contacts of someone who has tested positive. From the outset, Japan's approach has been centered around hospitalization and treating severe cases. Whether people agree with that stance or not, it's not likely to change any time soon. The point some of us have been trying to make is that if you have symptoms, or you've been in close contact with someone who tested positive, it is possible to get a test. You do have to organize it yourself, however there are some cases where the ward offers group testing. I am not sure if we will ever get to the stage where there is drive-through testing or mass testing like other countries have done. I thought a lot of countries were moving away from that model.

And your individual anecdote at one clinic on one day is just that - one personal experience. I got PCR tested 3 weeks ago at a local clinic. That does not mean there is no shortage of testing capacity, and in fact doctors have been told they should diagnose Covid from symptoms for the under-50's, to cut down on testing (most will follow this, although some will still give you a test).

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20220125/p2a/00m/0na/008000c

Doesn't seem to be about tests shortage:

Japan gov't to allow COVID diagnoses without testing as omicron cases surge

TOKYO -- Doctors in areas of Japan with long wait times for coronavirus testing and checks will be able to diagnose symptomatic people in close contact with COVID-19 patients as infected without a test, under plans revealed by health minister Shigeyuki Goto on Jan. 24.

The move is intended to alleviate the strain on outpatient care as the coronavirus's omicron variant sweeps through the country.

Japan should be testing on the millions like every developed country.

Why is not happening?

I can't, I looked at mainichi and it says 99364

English and your link.

You sure?

@Ian, they updated it as soon as I posted, feel free to ignore my previous comment now! Lol

Did cross my mind

Just quit with the " they are limiting the tests BS". They are not. (in Tokyo at least)

Easy to get a test.. just turn up to any one of the 190 facilities from the list below. No reservation needed.

Or you can still contact the covid hotline or you local hospital/ clinic.

https://tokyo-kensasuishin.jp/img/business.pdf

The official number is low because many with minor symptoms are not bothering to get a test. Lets hope they are at least staying at home.

Am amazed that the same people would be here arguing and making the same/similar comments everyday… aren’t you all tired? Hope all stay safe and healthy throughout this time though.