Japan gov't policy to only hospitalize critical COVID patients draws flak

The Japanese government policy to only allow COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms to be hospitalized to prevent a hospital bed shortage drew criticism from both ruling and opposition lawmakers Wednesday, amid concerns patients whose conditions suddenly deteriorate could be left unattended.In response to a rapid surge in coronavirus infections, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga decided Monday that only patients with severe cases of COVID-19, or at risk of developing severe symptoms, can be admitted to hospitals in areas facing a virus resurgence.It marked a policy U-turn as the government had …READ FULL ARTICLE