Message by Governor Kuroiwa(英語)

Message by Governor Kuroiwa

The COVID-19 infection level is nearing Stage III (explosive increase).  Today, we issued Stage III Warning Declaration to share a sense of crisis about this situation with the prefectural citizens and business operators.

The recent surge in infections imposes an enormous burden on the medical treatment provision system.  The prefectural government issued Medical Alert on November 14 to expand the number of hospital beds for the infected.  However, new cases are increasing at a faster pace than we expected.  If this situation continues, hospitals may have to limit accepting other patients.  Especially, the shortage of beds is becoming serious for COVID-19 patients of severe symptoms.

Against this background, we decided to review the criteria for hospital admission taking opinions of experts into account.  We will place higher priority on patients with severe symptoms or high risks to ensure hospital beds, which can directly protect lives of the prefectural citizens.

The prefectural government suspended sales of new discount coupons for prefectural citizens for trips in the prefecture, in addition to “Go To Eat Kanagawa”.  We will make a request to the national government to suspend new sales of “Go To Event” coupons.

I ask you again to further promote teleworking and staggering working hours to reduce contacts with other people.

With this widespread epidemic, it is important for each one of us to make efforts to prevent infections.  The virus is always around us.  Refrain from dining and wining in a large group and for a long time as long as possible because it imposes higher risk of infection as the virus spreads through droplets generated in conversations.  Be sure to practice MASK on any occasion, which stands for

M for mask wearing in an appropriate manner,
A for alcoholic disinfection,
S for screening using acrylic boards, etc. and
K for keeping social distance and ventilating, plus humidifying in winter time.

Avoid visiting shops and restaurants where the “List of Measures against COVID-19” is not displayed if you eat meals in a group.  Keep wearing a mask even when dining to prevent droplet infection.
The prefectural government promotes “MASK” and “dining wearing a mask” through video and fliers.  I ask business operators to add “encouraging dining wearing a mask” to the list of prevention measures.  Please cooperate in promoting “dining wearing a mask” using table-top signs and masks provided by the prefectural government.

Medical professionals are fighting against the virus even at this moment without rest.  If the epidemic continues to expand, the infection level will be raised to Stage III and even to Stage IV (explosive infection).  If this happens, we have to take stronger measures, such as a request to avoid outings, shorten operation hours and suspend businesses.  To avoid this, I ask each of you again to remain cautious and thoroughly take preventive measures. 

I highly appreciate your understanding and cooperation for our united effort to fight against COVID-19 in overcoming this challenge.

November 27, 2020
KUROIWA Yuji
Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture

 

• Have you ever seen “List of Measures against COVID-19 Infection”?