Japan to house Covid-19 patients in hotels as hospitals feel strain

People wearing protective masks going through their walk in the spring weather at Shiba Park on Friday (April 3) as the Tokyo Tower loom over in the background. Japan's Health Ministry on Friday (April 3) said that local governments will be advised to accommodate coronavirus patients with mild symptoms in hotels, as urban areas in particular are facing a shortage of healthcare facilities amid a rise in Covid-19 (coronavirus) outbreak cases. - AP

TOKYO: Japan's Health Ministry on Friday (April 3) said that local governments will be advised to accommodate coronavirus patients with mild symptoms in hotels, as urban areas in particular are facing a shortage of healthcare facilities amid a rise in Covid-19 (coronavirus) outbreak cases.

The request has been made owing to an escalation in cases in Tokyo as well as other urban areas, with the Tokyo metropolitan government along with healthcare specialists saying the number of hospital beds available for coronavirus patients will soon reach capacity.