Message by Governor Kuroiwa(英語)

Message by Governor Kuroiwa

As of May 8, just after the Golden Week holidays, the legal categorization of the novel coronavirus infection under the Act on the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Medical Care for Patients with Infectious Diseases will be changed to Class 5, the same class as the seasonal influenza.  The first infection in Japan occurred in Kanagawa in January 2020, and in the following month, we had the mass infection on the large passenger vessel Diamond Princess, which arrived at the Port of Yokohama.  The fight against COVID-19 started with our endeavor to cope with the Diamond Princess case and lasted over three years, and now we finally see the end of the fight with this downgrading of the virus’ status.

During this period, we underwent infection surges eight times.  Kanagawa Prefectural Government (K.P.G.) set out over 40 “Kanagawa Models” working together with many people including those of medical institutions in the prefecture to provide medical treatments, support recuperation and assist businesses.  We also imposed restrictions on people’s daily activities, such as refraining from outings and shortening of business hours, and requested to take various anti-infection measures. 

We were able to overcome the difficult times that we had never experienced owing to understanding and cooperation by every one of the citizens, and the all-out effort made across the prefecture, including dedication by medical workers.  I would like to take this opportunity to express my cordial gratitude to all of the prefectural citizens, business operators and the people of organizations concerned.

From May 8, our measures against COVID-19 will be significantly changed.  We will not impose strict restrictions such as asking to avoid outings.  You will decide on your own will whether to take basic anti-virus measures like ventilating, washing hands and appropriate mask wearing according to the situation.  

Medical treatment provision system will also be changed.  COVID-19 will not be treated as a special illness at medical institutions any more.  Even if you are infected with the virus, you will be able to receive treatment at a wide range of medical institutions, just like patients of other illnesses. 

However, this change does not mean that the virus will disappear.  And it is believed that the infection wave will keep coming repeatedly.  

In order to provide medical treatment to all the citizens when necessary, we will assist medical institutions preparing for starting examination and hospitalization of COVID-19 patients.  These information will be widely publicized, and K.P.G. COVID-19 Infection Counseling Dial will continue to offer services to respond to citizens’ inquiries.  

Meanwhile, as for the COVID-19 facilities for the elderlies, who are at a higher risk of developing serious symptoms due to infection, such as prostration and deterioration of chronic illnesses, we will continue paying attention as ever.  

As stated above, even after COVID-19 is downgrade to Class 5, we will keep taking necessary measures so that you can live without a worry.  

From May 8, we will be living in a full-fledged post-COVID society.  We will keep making our all-out effort aiming to revitalize the socio-economic activities while coexisting with the virus.  Your cooperation in this regard would be highly appreciated.  

 

April 27, 2023

KUROIWA Yuji
Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture