The government, under fire for low testing rates for the coronavirus, eased access Friday and indicated that a new test to supplement the PCR tests could be approved next week.
The health ministry said it now wants people experiencing breathing difficulties or heavy sluggishness to seek advice on whether they have the coronavirus.
Government guidelines previously said people should only consult a public health center about geting tested if they had a fever of at least 37.5 (99.5 F) for four consecutive days. They also suggested the elderly should have cold symptoms for two straight days before seeking a consultation.
The new guidelines, however, say both the young and the elderly should consult health centers immediately if they have relatively mild cold symptoms for four days or longer.
Japan is conducting 188 PCR tests per 100,000 people, compared with rates of 3,159 in Italy and 3,044 in Germany, data from experts advising the government showed on Monday.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/05/09/national/japan-criticism-relaxes-coronavirus-testing-guidelines/