Message by Governor Kuroiwa(英語)

Due to the explosive surge in new infection cases of the Omicron variant, the priority measures to prevent the spread of the disease have been applied to Kanagawa from January 21 to February 13.  The prefectural government is making an all-out effort to prevent further spread of infections. 

However, the number of new cases shows no signs of declining, and the medical treatment system is under a significant strain.  We should stay even more vigilant. 

Based on these circumstances, the national government today decided to extend the period of the priority measures placed on Tokyo, Kanagawa and three prefectures, to March 6. 

It is painful for me to place a burden on the prefectural citizens and business operators again, but I ask you to keep the following points in mind. 

• The Omicron variant spreads very rapidly and anyone can become infected.  We have to practice thorough anti-virus measures with a strong sense of crisis, keeping in mind that the virus is always nearby and anyone around you may have had a close contact with an infected person.
• It is especially important to prevent the disease from spreading to the elderly and those who have underlying illnesses, who are at high risk of developing severe symptoms.  Be sure to thoroughly implement basic anti-infection measures of M-A-S-K (M for mask wearing, A for alcoholic disinfection, S for screening using acrylic board and K for keeping social distance and ventilating plus humidifying).  To provide against infection, prepare stock of food and medical supplies for recuperation at home.
• Let me ask for continued cooperation to eating and drinking establishments in shortening operation hours.  The time limit of alcohol serving will be changed from 20:00 to 20:30 from February 14 for those certified as practicing mask wearing recommendation and end operation by 21:00.  There is no change about financial assistance for cooperation.

Ahead of other prefectures, K.P.G. launched a voluntary recuperation scheme for people whose self-test result was positive, aiming to lower the increasing burden on medical institutions and public health centers and focus medical resources on treatment of patients at high risk of severe symptoms.
We also increased the number of hospital beds for severe patients to “Special Emergency Phase” just same as those for milder cases.  And thus we devote all our effort to strengthen the medical system to surely save every life that can be saved.

Your utmost precaution is indispensable to beat this highly contagious Omicron variant.  I ask for your understanding and cooperation to overcome this difficult time.

February 10, 2022
KUROIWA Yuji
Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture