Hi, Joe Tomei here, with another update from the JET Prefectural Advisors, Lily McDermott & Chase Sutherland. Stay safe everyone.
====== Hello Kumamoto,
Yesterday, 1661 new cases of COVID-19 were announced across Japan, the highest number of new cases in one day since the start of the pandemic. In addition, yesterday 10 people across the country passed away due to COVID-19 (https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20201112/k10012708541000.html)
To shed some light on the recent situation, here is a snapshot of the news stories we have seen:
Kumamoto Risk Level remains at Level 3 On Wednesday, 11 November, Kumamoto Prefecture announced that it would keep the Risk Level set at Level 3. However, in the same statement the Prefecture acknowledged that the numbers of cases are continuing to increase and are approaching the criteria for Level 4. In the one week period prior to the announcement (3-9 November) there were 48 new cases, an increase of 10 compared to the preceding week. The number of new cases for which the route of infection is unknown was 17. Two thirds of new cases are residents of Kumamoto City.
The increase in cases is attributed to two new clusters at drinking establishments with close customer service interaction (cabaret/host clubs); “YG Kumamoto” and “Club Latour”. The Prefecture and the City said they will continue to work together to strengthen measures in the entertainment district of central Kumamoto City. Given the national infection situation and ongoing increase in cases, the prefecture has already begun implementing some Level 4 measures (https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/common/UploadFileOutput.ashx?c_id=3&id=32638&sub_id=66&flid=258299).
Requests to members of the public, such as a general request to refrain from drinking into the late hours of the evening in central Kumamoto City and basic precautions such as mask wearing and handwashing, and choosing to patronise businesses which are implementing measures to prevent the spread of infection remain unchanged from last week.
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/common/UploadFileOutput.ashx?c_id=3&id=32638&sub_id=66&flid=258298 https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/kiji_37323.html
Japan Medical Association suggests Japan is in the midst of a “third wave” On Wednesday, the head of the Japan Medical Association suggested in a press conference that the recent increase in new cases could mean that Japan is experiencing a “third wave”. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201111_37/
For reference, on Wednesday Osaka saw 256 new cases, the highest since the start of the pandemic. The Governor of Osaka also agreed that Osaka is experiencing a third wave: https://mainichi.jp/articles/20201110/k00/00m/040/155000c
The head of the Japan Medical association added that the situation in Hokkaido is particularly worrisome. Hokkaido has also recently seen very high numbers of new cases over the past several weeks. Yesterday, 230 new cases were announced (also the highest number since the start of the pandemic), and the number of new cases has not fallen below 100 per day for 8 consecutive days. https://news.yahoo.co.jp/pickup/6376291
Measures such as shortening operating hours of certain businesses have been implemented in parts of Sapporo City (Susukino District). https://www.city.sapporo.jp/2019n-cov/jigyosha/susukino_yosei.html
Nearly half of patients hospitalised in Wakayama have persistent long-term symptoms Wakayama Prefecture released the results of a survey of coronavirus patients hospitalised in the prefecture since the start of the pandemic until mid-September. Of the 163 respondents, nearly half (46%) reported having persistent symptoms. 30 had impairment to their sense of smell, 26 had chronic fatigue, 20 had impairment to their ability to taste, 20 had difficulty breathing and 12 experienced hair loss. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20201113/k10012710441000.html?utm_int=news_contents_news-main_005
Stay safe and have a good weekend everyone,
