A message from the Governor of Iwate about COVID-19 (Nov 19th)

A message to residents from both the governor of Iwate and the mayor of Morioka regarding COVID-19 in Iwate at the joint-press conference.

In response to the recent spike in cases, mainly in Morioka, the governor of Iwate Prefecture and the mayor of Morioka City have decided to hold a joint-press conference today, November 19th, to inform all residents about taking safety measures to further prevent the spread of the virus.

A message from Governor Tasso:

I have two things to say today.

First, I would like to ask residents for their cooperation in our measures for the recent cluster cases, and second, to remind all residents to continue taking strict safety measures given the alarming increase in cases here in Iwate.

Since entering the month of November, there has been many confirmed positive patients due to an outbreak of cluster cases at restaurants within Morioka City. I wish for a speedy recovery of all the infected patients.

With permission from the restaurant owners, we have published the names of the restaurants where cluster cases have occurred as our measure for contact tracing. Please consult with your nearest public health center if you have been to any of the restaurants within the specified duration below:

Miyako City: Izakaya Restaurant Nishizawa (Duration: Nov. 11 (Wed) ~ Nov. 14 (Sun)
Morioka City: Izakaya Restaurant Oishi, Kuranosuke (Duration: Nov. 2 (Mon) ~ Nov. 10 (Tue))  
Morioka City: Restaurant Neuf du Pape (Duration: Oct. 24 (Sat) ~ Nov. 11 (Wed))
Morioka City: Seafood Restaurant Oishi (Duration: Nov. 2 (Mon) ~ Nov. 9 (Mon))

As the number of cases across the nation rises, we have been seeing a spike in cases in Iwate, as well. Therefore, since the beginning of November, it has been increasingly difficult to conduct contact tracing and finding the source of the infection.

Symptoms can occur two days from infection with this virus, and it can still spread to others even if you are asymptomatic. However, we know that you can reduce your risk of infection if you carefully follow basic safety measures such as washing your hands with soap, following coughing etiquette, and ventilating frequently.  

To prevent the even further spread of the virus, I would like to ask all residents, and also visitors, to thoroughly follow the many safety measures that we have been notifying to the public in multiple occasions.

In addition to the basic measures I have mentioned above, I would like to ask the following:

• We ask all residents and visitors to always wear masks and avoid eating out in large groups or gatherings that are at risk of the 3 Cs.
• For businesses, please implement strict safety measures based on industry-specific guidelines and closely monitor the body temperatures, daily activities, and any reported symptoms of your employees.
• We recommend all customers and workers of restaurants that provide in-person services to make use of the “If-Scenario-Support-Iwate” initiatives and installing COCOA (COVID-19 Contact Confirming App) on your phones for contact tracing should you test positive, and also for keeping record of your contact information.
• For hospitals and clinics, please urge any patients with symptoms to take the PCR test.

Lastly, while I have also been strongly requesting this to all residents, I would like to kindly remind everyone to have compassion to the patients and those close to them. Please do not harass them. Additionally, please do not forget to thank and support healthcare workers and those working in fields that are essential to sustain the daily lives of Iwate residents.

Thank you very much.