Message from the Mayor (as of 5/28/2021)

Hiroshima Prefecture has implemented official requests for cutting outings in half, closures of dining establishments that offer alcohol and karaoke facilities, as well as shortened hours of operation for facilities on a large scale based on the state of emergency that was declared on May 16. In cooperation with the prefecture, the City of Hiroshima has, as a rule, closed municipal facilities in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. In addition, for the early detection of new patients and to ensure they receive the appropriate medical treatment, health center staff and public health nurses in ward health centers are working hard to conduct thorough epidemiological surveys for cases and facilitate patient transport.

It is under these circumstances that today, the decision was made to extend state of emergency until June 20. Looking at the state of infections in Hiroshima City since the end of Golden Week, we have the highest number of infections in the prefecture and infections are rapidly spreading mainly among the younger generation (including children) in households and in facilities. The bulk of these cases have been determined to be caused by COVID-19 variants which are more infectious than the standard virus.

Taking all of this into consideration, even though the spread of infection is slowing in the prefecture, I am well aware that the City of Hiroshima is still at the point where it must continue to thoroughly adhere to and carry out infection prevention measures.

It is of the utmost importance that each of you be completely aware of the gravity of the situation and work in solidarity to ensure that infection prevention measures are closely followed. Once again, I ask for the continued cooperation of all our citizens and our businesses to stop the spread of COVID-19.

May 28, 2021
MATSUI Kazumi
Mayor
The City of Hiroshima