Message by Governor Kuroiwa(英語)

Message by Governor Kuroiwa 

Kanagawa Prefectural Government issued the “state of emergency declaration Kanagawa version” on July 22 and has been taking the strict anti-infection measures similar to Tokyo since then.  Today, the national government decided to apply the state of emergency declaration to Kanagawa, taking effect from August 2 to 31, based on the Act on Special Measures. 

The number of daily new cases in the prefecture is rapidly increasing, exceeding 1,000 since July 28.  We have to say that the infection is spreading at an explosive pace never before seen. 

Under this situation, the number of people hospitalized and recuperating at home or designated facilities is also rapidly increasing.  If infections continue to spread at this rate, we will face a serious shortage of hospital beds in no time. 

Once infected with the novel coronavirus, even young people and patients in a mild condition can suddenly develop severe symptoms and need to be hospitalized immediately. 

When more people are out and about, the risk of accidents and heat stroke rises.  In addition, RS virus infections, which cause pneumonia in babies and infants, are prevailing this year.  It is becoming more and more difficult to hospitalize the patients, including those with COVID-19. 

If this situation continues, the collapse of medical care system could become a reality, where emergency medical care is not provided as usual even when you suffer from injuries or illness, and lives that could have been saved are not saved.  To prevent this from happening, each of us has to have a strong sense of crisis recognizing that the medical care system is on the verge of collapse, and take actions to thoroughly prevent the spread of infections. 

“Don’t underrate COVID-19.”

In response to the rapid surge of new infections, we made a request to the medical institutions for raising the number of beds for patients with moderate and mild symptoms to the maximum. 

We ask for the understanding and cooperation of the citizens and business operators to contain flow of the people and reduce contact opportunities as much as possible. 

Once again, “Don’t underrate COVID-19.”

 

July 30, 2021
KUROIWA Yuji
Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture