A message from the Governor of Iwate about COVID-19 (April 3rd)

-A message given by Governor Tasso during the 8th meeting of the Iwate Prefecture COVID-19 Countermeasures HQ (April 3rd)-

On March 30th, the governments of Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Saitama prefectures put out a request to refrain from unnecessary outings during nights and weekends. Taking that into account, I asked people coming from those prefectures to exercise all necessary cautions if they were to come to Iwate.

Additionally, yesterday (April 2nd), the governor of Chiba Prefecture gave the same message to his citizens. This message of caution is moving throughout the country.

As we change to the new fiscal year, we will see a lot of people coming/returning to Iwate from around the nation. Looking at what the other prefectures have requested, I would also like to ask people to exercise extreme caution to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including refraining from all unneccessary outings during nights and weekends for two weeks after arriving in Iwate.

However, "unnecessary outings" do not include work or hospital visits for ongoing treatment. What we deem unnecessary are things done for fun - things that don't need to be done right now.
In particular, hospital visits are deemed necessary outings. Please don't shelter-in-place if you need to see a doctor. To everyone working in our healthcare facilities, I ask that you continue your normal duties along with carrying out appropriate measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

For those returning from America or elsewhere abroad: I ask that you follow the quarantine requests for people to remain in their homes or otherwise indicated area for two weeks after returning from abroad.

In addition,  I ask that you act to prevent the three "close"s - closed spaces, close gatherings, and close contact. I also ask that you wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

Please follow these and all other social distancing advice.

I ask the above of all citizens within all areas of Iwate, along with anyone who may come to Iwate.

• Japanese version with video
• Information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Iwate Prefecture
• Consultation Hotlines/Centers in Iwate for Possible COVID-19 Cases