A message from the Governor of Iwate about COVID-19 (April 5th)

 A message to Iwate residents

Starting today, April 5th, stricter virus control and containment (manbо)measures have been placed for Miyagi, Osaka, and Hyogo Prefectures for 31 days until May 5th.

 Therefore, please refrain from traveling to areas listed under these new measures for non-essential and non-urgent reasons (ex. going home or leisure travel) to prevent the further spread of the virus.

 Please also make careful considerations if you have plans to travel to regions with widespread infections or to places that have made official requests to stay-at-home.

 As for the COVID-19 situation in Iwate, in the most recent week (as of April 5th), we have had 7.8　new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people, and our hospital bed usage is at 28.4% of our prepared capacity. In particular, we have been seeing a daily increase in infection cases since mid-March, especially at homes and workplaces, with a recent spike in new cases due to another cluster situation. We have also confirmed our first case of the UK variant in our prefecture.

 In order to prevent an increase of daily new cases, I would like all residents and visitors to be extra mindful in following basic safety measures, such as avoiding the “3 Cs”, frequently washing your hands with soap, and always wearing your masks.

 If you are feeling ill with symptoms like a high fever or a cough, please contact and consult with either your primary care/family doctor or the COVID-19 Consultation Center to take the PCR test as soon as possible.

 For hospitals and clinics, please urge any patients with symptoms, such as a fever, to take the PCR test.