On May 8, the legal status of COVID-19 has been downgraded to ”Class 5″ contagious disease such as the seasonal flu under the Infectious Disease Control Law. Authorities will no longer be able to order people to not go to work or to recommend hospitalization if they are infected. 

The cost burden of Coronavirus-related tests, medications and hospitalization, which are currently free until May 7, however , starts on May 8, residents are to be charged for coronavirus-related outpatient care and hospitalization just like any other disease.

Hospital bills for Covid-19 treatments are about the same for the seasonal flu. 

Covid-19 vaccines, including boosters, will remain free until the end of March 2024. 

As before, you can consult about Covid-19 with SAGA COVID-19 Consultation Center

 

≪SAGA COVID-19 Consultation Center≫

Phone number  0954-69-1102  ※In Japanese

Opening hours  24 hours/365 days

≪SAGA COVID-19 Consultation Center for consultations in foreign languages≫

Phone number  092-687-5535  ※21 languages

Opening hours  24 hours/365 days

 

【Reference】

(Saga Prefecture) Changes due to the transition to class 5 infectious diseases