A message from the Governor of Iwate about COVID-19 (Nov 24th)

-A message given by Governor Tasso during the 24th meeting of the Iwate Prefecture COVID-19 Countermeasures HQ (Nov 24th)-

 Across the country, we are experiencing what we believe is a “3rd wave” of the pandemic as infections are spreading at an alarming rate with the number of new cases exceeding the numbers reported in July ~ August of this year.

 In Iwate, we have reported a total 128 cases (as of November 24, 3pm) since the beginning of November. In addition to multiple cases of infections occurring at restaurants and workplaces, cluster cases at facilities for the elderly have been recently reported, as well.

 By not only limiting ourselves to the close contact guidelines established by the national government, the Iwate Prefectural Government has been inspecting every presumptive cases in order to search and confirm positive cases swiftly as possible to prevent the further spread of the virus. Additional preparations are also being made regarding testing measures and the medical care system in an event of a widespread infection. We have also established a new “Iwate Cluster Control Taskforce in Medical and Social Welfare Service Facilities” to prepare for large-scale cluster cases that may happen in these facilities.

 As there is a higher risk of cluster infections spreading to families and also schools across the prefecture in the future, based on guidance from the Iwate COVID-19 Countermeasures Advising Committee, we would like to, once again, request the following to all residents and visitors: 

• Please continue to take basic measures such as washing your hands, practicing coughing etiquette, ventilating frequently, adjusting humidity, and etc.
• For all residents and visitors, we ask to check your health every day, avoid going out if you are feeling ill, always wear masks, and avoid eating out in large groups, especially if at risk of the 3 Cs.
• For businesses, please implement strict prevention measures based on industry-specific guidelines and keep a record of the health and daily activities of your employees.
• We strongly 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, such as fever, to actively take the PCR test.

 Those who are elderly or with pre-existing conditions are known to have a higher risk of reaching critical conditions upon infection so we strongly urge to take extra precautions.

Thank you very much.