Japan is battling a second wave of coronavirus cases, but a new survey has raised concerns about the implementation of health and safety protocols in workplaces.
New Survey Unravels Loopholes in Work-Related Guidelines
A new survey led by assistant professor at Tokyo Medical University Masaki Machida found 62 percent of respondents went to work between February and May despite having cold-like symptoms.
There were 1,226 respondents aged between 20 and 79 in the online survey. They were residents of Tokyo and neighboring cities. Tokyo is the city that has been hardest hit by the virus.
The government requested Feb. 17 that workers who felt sick, were in poor general health or suffered from the presence of two chronic diseases or conditions stay at home or get checked.
Because of the survey's results, experts are worried about the extent of the implementation of Japan's workplace restrictions and if government health protocols have been imposed appropriately to prevent work-linked transmissions.
Tokyo Cases Rise Again
Tokyo saw a resurgence of daily new COVID-19 infections, as the capital reported 309 new confirmed cases Tuesday. On Monday the capital reported 258 new cases. The new cases were in spite of the city government's request for nightlife establishments to shut by 10 p.m.
As of Tuesday Japan had recorded 38,687 confirmed COVID-19 case and 1,012 deaths.
China's Stricter Measures Appear To Affect Caseload
When China experienced the second wave of the pandemic, the government reinstated strict anticoronavirus measures. Experts said it appeared safety and health guidelines were taking effect, as the country has been reporting a decline in daily new infections over the past few days.
On Tuesday the health ministry announced 36 new confirmed COVID-19 cases compared with 43 Monday. Xinjiang remains the worst affected area by new infections, but there were also six imported cases on Tuesday.
Singapore Revokes Nursing Home License
Singapore's Ministry of Health said Tuesday that it had revoked the license of a nursing home in Telok Kurau following the facility's failure to meet requirements. It failed to comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines and proper protocols to prevent further infections.
Aside from the Thian Leng Old Folks Home's history of noncompliance, the ministry said recent inspections found the facility lacked proper precautionary measures to protect both residents and staff from the virus.
As of Tuesday, Singapore had 53,346 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 27 deaths.
South Korea Proposes COVID-19 Testing For International Adoption
South Korea on Tuesday said it had proposed its drive-through coronavirus test system to be adopted as an international standard after getting the greenlight from the International Organization for Standardization.
The system doesn't require drivers or passengers to get out of their cars for testing. They roll down car windows only and medical staff wearing protective equipment take samples.
South Korea's first drive-through testing started in late February. The country has been praised for its contact tracing and anticoronavirus guidelines.
As of Tuesday, South Korea had 14,423 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 301 deaths linked to the virus. Most of the new cases Tuesday were imported.
