Message from the Mayor Regarding COVID-19 (as of 12/9/2020)

The number of COVID-19 cases since November has risen drastically to 433 (including the 61 cases announced today). Looking at the routes of transmission in Hiroshima City, nearly 70% of cases come from dining together (34%), members of the same household (23%), and the workplace (14%).

Infections are happening in every area of everyday life, centering mainly on dining and members of the same household. Of the 3Cs (confined spaces, crowded spaces, close-contact settings), there has been a particular increase in cases which occur in unavoidable close-contact settings.

To be specific, cases have been occurring when people remove their masks and have conversations at a distance where infection via droplets can occur for an extended period of time. Those infected in this manner then go on to do the same thing over and over, leading to the spread of infection.

Thus, I would like to ask each of you remember to wear your masks, maintain social distance, and keep conversations short. When dining, keep your group and your time spent together to a minimum; take the proper precautions against infection via droplets, such as speaking in quiet voices.

Since the beginning of December, we have had six cluster infections, and should infections continue to spread, there is every possibility that it will put a strain on our medical care systems. In addition to strict adherence to basic infection prevention measures such as wearing masks, frequently washing your hands, and avoiding the 3Cs, I ask that if you develop any symptoms (fever, etc) to proactively take off from work, turn down social offers, and immediately seek out medical attention at your local medical institution.

December 9, 2020
MATSUI Kazumi
Mayor
The City of Hiroshima