Message by Governor Kuroiwa(英語)

Message by Governor Kuroiwa

Three weeks have passed since lifting of the state of emergency declaration over the novel coronavirus infection on May 25.  During this period, I asked the prefectural citizens to refrain from visiting places where infection clusters were found, such as bars and night clubs with companions for customers, and traveling to other prefectures.  I also requested some business operators to shorten operation hours and close by 10:00 p.m.

Owing to deep understanding and cooperation in meeting these requests by the prefectural government, number of new cases of infection in Kanagawa Prefecture has declined.  In light of this situation, the prefectural government decided to put an end to the requests as of today.

I would like to ask you to practice a new lifestyle, including avoiding 3Cs of crowded places, closed spaces and close-contact settings, always bearing in mind that the virus exists around you.  Please also avoid visiting places where infection prevention measures are not taken as much as possible.

Business operators are requested to keep on implementing thorough countermeasures against infection.  Please also utilize our programs to exhibit a list of preventive measures you are taking and LINE COVID-19 Notification System to indicate your efforts so that customers can make a visit with a sense of security.

The prefectural government offers financial assistance to renovate facilities or change business category for business operators working on infection prevention.  We wait for your applications.

We also decided to withdraw our request for restriction on events of up to 1,000 people.  When holding events, please be sure to assure safety of participants by displaying a list of infection prevention measures taken at the venue, etc.

As for sightseeing, I ask you to take enough precautions against the virus as advised by a brochure for travelers made by the prefectural government, and visit destinations in Kanagawa first. 

Our fight against the novel coronavirus still continues in the future.  In the era of COVID-19, we need to pursue both infection prevention and socioeconomic activities at the same time.

Kanagawa Prefectural Government keeps on working on securing the medical care provision system based on the Kanagawa Model.  We will monitor the state of infection every day and provide information in an appropriate manner.  I ask the prefectural citizens and business operators for continued understanding and cooperation in the future.

June 18, 2020
KUROIWA Yuji
Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture