Response of local government regarding COVID-19: Lessons learned from the new influenza (H1N1) in 2009

Abstract

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading worldwide. Even now, there is no sign of the end of the infection. In Japan, the number of infected people is increasing, and the Japanese government takes various measures such as an emergency declaration. Among them, the role of local governments in dealing with residents is emphasized. In this paper, while referring to the new influenza response in 2009, this paper discusses future issues for local governments regarding COVID-19. As a result, it was found that cooperation with medical institutions is a factor that enhances the medical system of local governments. It shows that it was possible to deal only with the new strain of influenza.

From the analysis of local governments at the time of the new influenza, this paper clarify the issues that should be examined in the future, that is, the cooperation between basic municipalities and medical institutions, and extracted the responses of local governments.