Message from the Mayor Regarding COVID-19 (as of 5/8/2020)

Today, based on the decisions of the nation and the prefecture, we have decided to re-open city-managed facilities in phases upon implementing strict infection prevention measures.

First, to the citizens of our city, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude for your cooperation in staying home during Golden Week. Each of you embodied the spirit of perseverance and collective cooperation, and it is because of this that we are able to begin lifting some of the restrictions in place.

However, please keep in mind that should infections begin to spread with the easing of these restrictions, we will be forced to once again implement firm restrictions. Let us not have all the cooperation and efforts we have made go to waste; I ask that you avoid the 3Cs in your day-to-day lives, and follow the rules for the New Way of Living (rather, for life after the peak of COVID-19) as set out by the national government: observe social distance, wear a mask, and wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

To the business owners: I am well aware that you are struggling to survive in this extremely difficult situation, with many of you being forced to temporarily close your doors. The City of Hiroshima has just prepared a budget at the City Council Meeting for support benefits for business owners taking measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Moving forward, and taking a close look at measures by the national and prefectural governments, we are prepared to discuss second and third waves of emergency relief measures as well.

In addition, to business owners who are already employing measures such as teleworking and staggered working hours, I ask that you continue promoting measures which reduce person-to-person contact, and that you work to ensure the health of your employees.

I would like to extend special appreciation to our medical care and welfare facility care workers who work on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19 for the health and safety of our citizens. Today marks the beginning of our Friday Ovation initiative, where the City and Prefecture of Hiroshima, along with cities and towns in the prefecture, and those in the Hiroshima Regional Urban Area, show their appreciation to our medical care and facility care workers with a round of applause in the direction of area hospitals and facilities on Fridays at noon. I’d also like to encourage businesses and all of our citizens to join us every week in giving them big round of applause.

Unfortunately, these same medical care and welfare facility care workers are now the target of malicious rumors and heartless slander. This kind of behavior is simply unacceptable; let us move past it, and together, work to overcome these difficult times.

Finally, the national government has stated that May is the month for containment, and for preparing to move to the next step. It is the same for the City of Hiroshima. Health care professionals and experts, businesses, and citizens: I ask that each and every one of you continue to diligently carry out measures for containment, and thank you for your cooperation.

May 8, 2020

MATSUI Kazumi
Mayor
The City of Hiroshima