The surge in Omicron cases is showing no sign of slowing down in Japan. Many medical institutions are overwhelmed with people showing symptoms of high fever or simply wanting to get tested.

A clinic in Tokyo is one of them. Hanabusa Hiroo who runs the clinic says he has no choice but to turn away people other than elderly or those with underlying health issues.

The clinic provides PCR testing for outpatients who had developed high fever.

The clinic is capable of treating 12 patients with high fever a day besides regular patients.

But the appointment slots fill up quickly the day before and all walk-ins are being turned away.

The clinic says it has been like that for the past few days and there was even one day when up to 60 people had to be turned away.

Most cases are requesting to get tested because their family members have contracted the virus.

A woman in her 70s called in to get tested as her husband had been hospitalized for the coronavirus. She told the doctor she only had symptoms of a cough.

The doctor at the clinic told her if tested positive, an oral anti-viral drug might be an option to prevent possible deterioration of her illness considering her age.

The clinic also provides home care for people in isolation with Covid.

The clinic says in order to stay open and avoid staff burn out, they have no choice but to start prioritizing who to treat.

Elderly people, those with underlying health conditions, and essential workers will be the first to get treated, they say.

Hanabusa says he is also worried that the ages of patients coming to the clinic are gradually shifting from 60s to 70s and 80s.