2022 Volume 71 Issue 4 Pages 280-291
The first case of infection in Japan occurred on January 15, 2020, in Kanagawa Prefecture. Since that time, measures have primarily focused on borderline control, including those for returnees from Wuhan and the Diamond Princess. In addition, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (hereinafter, MHLW) established a surveillance system, formulated guidelines for proactive epidemiological surveillance, and prepared for the establishment of a PCR testing system and a medical care supply system. The Headquarters for COVID-19 Control within the MHLW, as well as the Prime Minister's Office headed by the Prime Minister was established. In addition, an Advisory Board and the Expert Council on COVID-19 were set up to obtain advice from experts.
In April, the spread of the infection showed no sign of abating, and on April 7, the first state of emergency was declared, and emergency measures were implemented in some prefectures, including Tokyo and Osaka, etc. On April 15, the scope of the emergency measures was expanded nationwide. After reaching a peak of 644 daily cases on April 11, the number of cases began to decline, and on May 25, the emergency declaration was lifted. This outbreak was later referred to as the first wave.
The second wave arrived in August, the third in winter, the fourth in spring 2021, the fifth in summer, the sixth in winter to spring 2022, and the seventh in summer. During this period, the virus mutated and spread throughout the world.
From the beginning of 2020, efforts were made to develop vaccines and medicines. Since it was anticipated that there would be a battle among countries for the vaccine, discussions with foreign vaccine manufacturers began in the summer and a contract was concluded. As a result, vaccination of healthcare workers began in February 2021, followed by the expansion of vaccination to the elderly and those with underlying diseases, while establishing vaccination systems in municipal governments, and the second, third, and fourth doses were administered to a large number of citizens.
The number of cases of infection and deaths per population has thus far remained significantly lower than in other industrialized countries. This paper reviews the various responses implemented by the government, including the initial response, organization and governance, borderline control measures, surveillance, proactive epidemiological investigation, public health center system, laboratory system, medical supply system, vaccines, drugs, and public information and risk communication, and summarizes the lessons learned.
