From early action to 2nd wave of infection: Hokkaido's COVID response is warning to world

As several countries across world are mulling to lift coronavirus lockdown, Japan's Hokkaido gives an important lesson about 'how t to deal with pandemic'. Hokkaido,  first area of country to see a major coronavirus outbreak, was hit by a second wave of coronavirus just weeks after it lifted lockdown 'too early'. Hokkaido's journey from successfully containing virus to being slammed by second wave of infection is a warning to rest of world. 

After a sharp acceleration in infections, prefecture of 5.3 million people went into lockdown in late February. Widely lauded for its quick response and three-week-long lockdown, Hokkaido was slammed by  second wave of infection after its goverr Naomichi Suzuki lifted restrictions. Considering resurgence of cases, region was forced back into lockdown again after about 26 days.

Early action

prefecture took quick action in response to outbreak of coronavirus as goverr declared a state of emergency on February 26 with 66 confirmed infections,  highest of any prefecture in Japan. Schools, restaurants and or public places were closed, even though y were t legally compelled to shut, as per reports. Dr Kiyoshi Nagase, chairman of Hokkaido Medical Association, reportedly praised government’s fast response and said it could be a model for country. Unfortunately, prefecture has w become a case study for impact of disease if a lockdown is relaxed too soon.

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Second wave of infection

By mid-March, crisis began to stabilize in Hokkaido and prefecture reported cases in single digits and even zero cases on some days. Assuming that situation was under control, goverr reportedly gave in to pressure of local businesses and lifted lockdown. People came out on streets and gared at public places to celebrate 'victory over pandemic.'

Soon after lockdown was ended on March 19,  island reported 135 new infections in of a week. island reportedly h 279 cases on April 14, an increase of about 80% from when goverr lifted first lockdown less than a month before. As of May 7, prefecture has 879 confirmed cases while 45 people have succumbed to pandemic. 

“We are facing a crisis of a second wave in spre of ( coronavirus) infections,” Hokkaido Gov. Naomichi Suzuki told reporters, asking residents to refrain from making nessential outings.

Meanwhile, with 15,477 confirmed cases and 577 deaths, Japan extended nation-wide lockdown till May 31 and issued new social behaviour guidelines for residents. Speaking at a news conference on May 4, expert panel said that though number of newly infected cases was on decline, emergency measures would remain in place. y ded that a surge in cases could overwhelm hospitals and medical staff, refore, se emergency measures were expected to become a rm in Japanese culture. 

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Wake up call?

Many experts reportedly believe that Hokkaido's second wave could have been avoided if lockdown remained in place for a while longer. Or countries considering lifting ir lockdown could learn from Hokkaido's experience and ensure that everything is in place in case of a relapse.  island’s story serves as a wake-up call for leers of or nations, including US and UK, as y consider loosening restrictions. 

While United States President Donald Trump h been emphasizing need to 'open America again', UK PM Borish Johnson told Parliament that government will likely begin easing coronavirus lockdown restrictions from May 11. US and UK are among worst-hit countries in world with a record number of cases and deaths. US has so far reported 1.26 million infections and 74,581 deaths. On or hand, UK has recorded 201,000 confirmed cases and 30,076 deaths, overtaking Italy as worst-affected country in Europe. 

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