Message from the Mayor (as of 4/22/2021)

Since early April, we have seen a rising trend in COVID-19 cases in Hiroshima City and we face the possibility of a sudden sharp rise in infections as the number of new patients per 100,000 people in one week are nearly three times the warning standard set by the prefecture (4 people per 100,000), and we have identified several cases of the UK COVID-19 variant (more contagious than the standard COVID-19 virus) here in the city.

In the midst of this, with Golden Week set to begin next week, we can expect that even more people will be traveling, whether they are returning home or taking trips. There are also several events planned for May where it will be difficult to fully control the number of those participating, such as Flower Festival and the Olympic Torch Relay.

Should infections continue to increase in the here and now, we will be unable to hold all of the events that you, our citizens, are looking forward to. It is absolutely crucial that we stop the spread of infection right now. I once again ask that each of you strongly bear in mind that COVID-19 is a powerful virus that anyone could catch and behave accordingly.

Specifically, in addition to strict adherence to standard infection prevention measures such as wearing a mask, washing your hands, and avoiding the 3Cs, I ask that each of you be aware of which behaviors lead to increased risk of infection and avoid them absolutely, such as unnecessary travel to areas with increased infections. If you must travel to areas with increased infections, avoid going to places with a high risk of infection and, after returning to Hiroshima, take advantage of the PCR testing offered by Hiroshima Prefecture (even if you don’t have any symptoms) and help stop the spread of infection to others.

In addition, when dining out, I ask that you choose dining establishments with industry guideline infection prevention measures in place and dine in small groups. I also ask that you remember to put your masks back on when having conversations and stay home if you are not feeling well.

I believe that it is of the utmost importance that each and every one of our citizens work in solidarity to follow these rules without fail and I ask for your continued cooperation.

April 22, 2021

MATSUI Kazumi
Mayor
The City of Hiroshima