Message by Governor Kuroiwa(英語)

Message by Governor Kuroiwa

In response to the rapid surge of the Omicron variant infections this summer, Kanagawa Prefectural Government issued the “Kanagawa declaration of intensive measures against BA. 5” on August 2 and requested you to take thorough anti-virus measures.

Since then, the number of new infection cases has steadily declined owing to the all-out effort of the entire prefecture, including the prefectural citizens.  The hospital bed occupation rate, which once exceeded 90%, now stands at the 40% level, improving the situation of hospital bed shortage.

Against this background, we decided to lift the declaration of intensive measures against BA. 5 on September 25, earlier than initially planned September 30.  I would deeply appreciate your cooperation to date.

At the same time, there is still no clear sign of ending of the pandemic.  If we lower our guard, we might face the eighth wave of infection surge.

The declaration will be lifted, but in order to prevent the next infection spread, let me ask you to continue basic anti-virus measures, such as appropriate mask wearing and conducting ventilation, in every situation of your life, like home, school and workplace.

To provide balanced medical services, not only for COVID-19 cases but also for other serious illnesses and injuries, we have requested the national government to review the rules to report all coronavirus cases.

Then, the national government changed the rules by limiting it to people 65 years of age or older starting on September 26 across the country.

This revise will largely reduce the clerical work burden at medical institutions, ensuring secure medical system to protect the life of the citizens from COVID-19 and other illnesses and injuries. 

On the other hand, some of you may feel anxious about the situation because many of the positive cases will not be subject to notification any more. 

To respond to these voices, as we announced today, Kanagawa Prefectural Government will establish “positive patients’ registration desk”, developed from the “voluntary recuperation notification system”, which we had started ahead of other prefectures, and keep tracking information of those who will register.  In addition, K.P.G. Recovery Support Desk will continue to assist you during recuperation, and K.P.G. Corona Emergency Call 119 will provide advice and connect you to a medical institution if your condition worsens.  Please do not worry. 

We cannot see the end of our prolonged struggle against COVID-19.  It is our urgent task to take measures for both infection prevention and recovery of social and economic activities at the same time, while gradually returning medical care system back to normal.  We will continue our all-out effort to ensure stable medical care system and accelerate recovery of regional economy affected by the pandemic. 

To overcome the challenges caused by COVID-19 as soon as possible, your understanding and cooperation would be greatly appreciated. 

September 21, 2022

KUROIWA Yuji
Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture