Message from the Mayor Regarding COVID-19 (as of 7/31/2020)

As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise across the nation, Hiroshima City too has had 114 confirmed cases in the span of one month since July. The present state of infection is, in many cases, characterized by visits to areas with increased infection rates and to eating and drinking establishments.

With the rise in cases, together with ongoing early detection of new patients, the City of Hiroshima is working hard to stop the spread of the virus by actively carrying out epidemiological studies and PCR tests on those who have had close contact with confirmed patients. However, in order to effectively contain COVID-19 in what very well may be a long-term situation we must work to revitalize the economy, which supports the everyday lives of our citizens, while preventing the spread of the virus in order to protect the livelihood of our citizens.

To this end, I once again ask the following:

• Wear a mask, frequently wash your hands, maintain social distance: practice these three things as a rule and avoid the 3Cs in your daily life.
• When dining out, choose restaurants that have infection prevention measures in place based on official guidelines, such as Hiroshima Prefecture COVID-19 Infection Prevention Measures Partner restaurants.
• In regards to areas with rising infection rates: carefully check information about the current state of infection and avoid all unnecessary travel. If you absolutely must travel, take steps to ensure your health and safety (avoid using facilities where there is a high risk of infection, etc).
• I ask that young people be especially vigilant with infection prevention measures: your demographic is the most active and runs the risk of widely spreading the virus before you know that you’re infected.

In addition, if you have any of the following symptoms, self-isolate (avoid going to work/school, avoid going out with friends, etc) and call our COVID-19 Call Center (082-241-4556) immediately:

• Fever
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Loss of sense of taste/smell

To business owners, I again ask of you:

• Practice infection prevention measures based on the guidelines for your industry
• Be aware of the health of your employees: if they are unwell, let them take leave and encourage them to call the COVID-19 Call Center

There is the argument that stronger restrictions are necessary with the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases; however, what is important to ensure both prevention and a revitalized economy is how each of our citizens behave. The containment of COVID-19 depends on the actions of each and every one of us.

This is a powerful virus that can spread to anyone: know that taking proactive care of your own health means that you are preventing the spread of infection to others. In your day-to-day lives, be aware of measures that others are taking and remind each other of good practices. From universities to their students, from companies to their employees, wherever you may be: spread the message that taking care of yourself will lead to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Creating a consensus among citizens will lead to better adherence to current measures together with the prefecture and national government, which I believe makes it an infection prevention measure in and of itself in the current circumstances. In addition, if you understand this concept, then you know that there is absolutely no excuse or need for prejudice, discrimination, or slander against patients, medical and welfare workers, or their families.

July 31, 2020

MATSUI Kazumi
Mayor
The City of Hiroshima