Joe Tomei here with an update from , Kumamoto JET program coordinators Prefectural Advisors, Lily McDermott & Chase Sutherland
Dear Kumamoto,
Yesterday, the number of new cases in one day across the country reached 2201 people, the highest single-day increase since the start of the pandemic. Here are the updates we have:
Kumamoto Prefecture - Risk Level Stays at Level 3 For the third week in a row, the Prefectural Risk Level remains at Level 3. The number of cases is continuing to increase, with 70 in this one-week period, 22 for which the route of infection was unknown.
In terms of the characteristics of the new cases, the number of new cases associated with restaurants, etc. in central Kumamoto City has decreased, and the proportion of cases for which the route of infection is unknown remains unchanged. In order to prevent another increase, the prefecture will continue pursuing the “cluster strategy”.
In contrast with the decrease in restaurant-linked cases, this week the area of the Ariake Health Center saw an increase in cases including transmission in households, workplaces as well as a cluster at an outpatient rehabilitation facility in Tamana City (9 cases). The prefecture has promptly dispatched the cluster countermeasure team (CMAT) to prevent the further spread of infection.
Use the “Fever Hotline” if you have a fever this winter The Prefecture is also reminding the public that the steps involved in seeing a physician have changed this winter. If you have a fever, please first call the office/clinic that you usually go to ahead of time and make an appointment. If you are uncertain about which medical institution to go to, please call the “Fever Hotline” (TEL:0570-096-567).
If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, or receive a notification on your COCOA app, etc., please continue using the Coronavirus Consultation Hotline (096-300-5909).
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/common/UploadFileOutput.ashx?c_id=3&id=32300&sub_id=195&flid=258943
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/common/UploadFileOutput.ashx?c_id=3&id=32638&sub_id=68&flid=258886
About Tokyo Today, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported 534 cases of COVID-19. This is the highest number of cases in one day since the start of the pandemic and the first time the daily total has exceeded 500. Yesterday also broke a record with 493 cases. The number of new cases as well as the proportion of those cases with an unknown link have both increased. In response Tokyo has increased their independent warning level system to the highest level (Stage 4). https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20201119/k10012719751000.html?utm_int=news-ranking_access_list-items_010
The increase in new cases/positive test results, a small decrease in the number of cases in serious condition was seen (-3).
Government’s Coronavirus Subcommittee and Japan Medical Association remarks Shigeru Omi, the head of the government’s subcommittee on COVID-19 said in a press conference Wednesday (18 November) that “clusters are diversifying and the positive rate for PCR tests are increasing gradually. There is a possibility that the situation will become such that it is difficult to control by the efforts of the population alone, and stricter measures may have to be taken. In order to prevent this from happening, now is the time to once again tighten our belts and follow the advice given by the subcommittee, avoiding places with an increased risk of infection.”
The head of the Japan Medical Association said that this upcoming 3-day weekend should be the “Weekend of Gaman (perserverance/self restraint)”, emphasizing that it is important for individual members of the public to take steps to prevent the spread of infection.
Prime Minister Suga said that he believes that by taking appropriate measures it is possible to reduce the risk of infection due to travel, and as a result is not currently considering requesting the public to avoid travelling across prefectural lines. Suga went on to request people with symptoms avoid outings, that people wear masks and avoid the 3Cs over this long weekend. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20201118/k10012719061000.html?utm_int=news-ranking_access_list-items_009
“The 5 Situations” Alongside the other Greatest Hits, “the 3 Cs” and the “New Lifestyle Recommendations”, the Government of Japan is currently conducting an awareness campaign about “The 5 Situations” which present an increased risk of infection due to COVID-19. We mentioned the “5 Situations” in a previous e-mail, but we just tracked down the official translated infographic so please take a look so you know which situations to avoid. Here’s the link!