Joe Tomei here with another update from Lily McDermott & Chase Sutherland, JET Prefectural Advisors. Want to give my deepest thanks to them for letting me post these updates here this year.

Here are some updates concerning COVID-19 in Kumamoto and Japan.

Address from Kumamoto Governor Kabashima On 18 December, Governor Kabashima addressed the prefecture as the two week period of “concentrated measures” came to a close. The following is a summary of the points he raised: ① Regarding the period of concentrated measures:

From 3 December until 12 December we have asked residents for the co-operation in a two-week period of concentrated implementation of basic measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
However, the infection situation in the prefecture continues to worsen, and in the one-week period from 11 December to 17 December, 198 new cases were confirmed.
Furthermore, the number of hospitalised patients was 162, and the percentage of beds being used was 40.5%, the highest since the start of the pandemic.
As we approach the end-of-year/new year holiday, which is usually accompanied by the concentrated movement of people, it is possible that the infection could spread even more. In response we have decided to extend the period of “concentrated measures” to last until 11 January next year.
Kumamoto Prefecture’s infection situation does not currently meet the national government’s criteria for a “Stage 3” Area. However, the Prefecture has decided that if cases continue to increase, and Kumamoto Prefecture becomes a “Stage 3” Area, then prefecture will implement stronger measures such as requesting food and drink establishments in central Kumamoto City to shorten their business hours. With the cooperation of Kumamoto City, the Prefecture is currently considering what areas/districts and types of businesses the restrictions should apply to together.

② Regarding the strengthening of the provision of medical care:

In order to respond to the rising number of cases, 20 additional hospital beds have been secured for hospitalising COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, the second hotel for mild cases will open on 24 December, providing an additional 80 rooms.

③ Requests to residents of the prefecture:

In order to prevent the spread of infection, it is important that each individual resident of the prefecture acts cautiously to avoid being infected or infecting others.
Please continue implementing basic measures to prevent the spread of infection such as properly understanding coronavirus countermeasures, and continuing mask wearing, regular hand washing, and maintaining physical distance between yourself and others.
We are now heading into the end-of-year/new year holiday. For those of you who live in areas where the virus is spreading, please think about your friends and family in your hometown and avoid returning to Kumamoto during the New Year Holiday.
COVID-19 is a disease that anyone can catch. We ask members of the public to not under any circumstances, discriminate, be prejudiced against, or say harmful things about people who are infected, their families, or medical professionals. https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/uploaded/attachment/124455.pdf

Hiroshima, Okayama, Kanagawa and Kyoto added to list of prefectures to avoid travel to

As mentioned in the previous updates, Kumamoto Prefecture is continuing to ask residents to avoid travel to prefectures in which the number of new cases per 100,000 population over a 1-week period is 15 or higher.

Based on the numbers for the last 1-week period, this now applies to Hiroshima, Okayama, Kanagawa and Kyoto Prefectures, in addition to Tokyo, Osaka, Kochi, Ehime, Saitama, Hokkaido and Hyogo. https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/soshiki/30/78301.html

Entry to Japan by arrivals from the UK subject to additional restrictions Entry to Japan by individuals arriving from the UK will be subject to new restrictions as of tomorrow (24 December). This is in response to the spread of a variant form of the SARS-CoV-2 virus connected to South East England.

The main points of the new restrictions are:

Foreign nationals arriving from the UK and in possession of new visas issued since 1st October will not be permitted to enter Japan.
The waiver for the 14-day quarantine period extended to so-called “business-track” travellers will be ended, so all Japanese nationals and foreign nationals with status of residence in Japan returning to Japan, even those on short-term business trips, will have to undergo a full 14-day self-isolation.
Japanese nationals and returning foreign nationals with an existing status of residence in Japan will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of re-entry to Japan. Furthermore, arrivals will be asked to agree to save their location information and install the COCOA tracing app when entering Japan.
The UK has been subject to a “Level 3, Do not travel” advisory by MOFA since 31 March. The Japanese government reiterates its existing request to all residents of Japan, both Japanese nationals and foreign nationals alike, to exercise self restraint and avoid any short-term travel to the UK with the intent to return to Japan (Japanese wording is 自粛要請 jishuku yosei regarding travel to the UK).

https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/info/pcwideareaspecificinfo_2020C086.html

Cluster at Yatsushiro Elementary School and bars in Kumamoto City On 21 December it was announced that a cluster of cases have occurred in connection to Sencho Elementary School in Yatsushiro City. 42 students and 31 members of staff were tested, of which 4 students and 1 staff member tested positive. The remaining 68 individuals considered close contacts were tested and found to be negative. The school was closed on the 21st, underwent disinfection on the 22nd, and will remain temporarily closed for the time being. This is the first time a cluster has been declared at an elementary school in Kumamoto. https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/uploaded/attachment/124334.pdf https://kumanichi.com/news/id32249

Additional clusters have been detected at food and drink establishments in Kumamoto City. One is the dining bar/izakaya “ZINO Kumamoto”, a restaurant/bar often used for after parties/after-wedding receptions. As of 21 December, 5 staff members and 16 patrons have tested positive. Another bar, “3Peace” located in Shimotori, has also been established as the center of a cluster of 7 cases–2 staff members and 5 customers. Finally, one additional case has been confirmed in association with the cluster at the host club “Club Zero” bringing the total of linked cases to 27 (16 staff and 11 patrons).
https://kumanichi.com/news/id32249