COVID-19 Infection Prevention Measures: Message from the Mayor (as of 1/13/2022)

Looking at the COVID-19 situation in Hiroshima City beginning in January of this year, those who became infected while masks were removed for meals and gatherings of families and friends over the New Year’s holidays brought COVID-19 with them into their homes, furthering the spread of the virus.

While it is believed that most who catch the Omicron variant will likely suffer no more symptoms than a regular cold, the variant is said to be three times more infectious than Delta. The cases here in the city have mostly been mild, and as infections are spreading at speeds unknown compared to the fifth wave, it is thought that the current wave of infections is due to Omicron.

As patients continue to sharply increase, the City of Hiroshima is doing everything in its power to respond: we have increased the number of staff working at health offices and ward health centers by more than 150 in order to facilitate the early detection of new patients and provide them with the appropriate medical care. We are also working to conduct comprehensive patient epidemiological surveys, patient transport, and daily health checks for patients recovering at home. 

Looking at infection prevention measures moving forward, booster vaccines as a preventative measure and the use of neutralizing antibody treatments and oral medication are key.

Specifically, regarding vaccine boosters as a preventative measure, we will implement boosters ahead of schedule as per the national government’s policy. As of the end of December 2021, we have already started to implement vaccine boosters for medical workers, those living or working in elderly care facilities, those who use or work at day services for the elderly or those with disabilities, and those who are currently hospitalized if at least six months have passed since their second dose.

In addition, we are planning to begin booster vaccinations for the rest of the elderly population even earlier: beginning this month, instead of next month as was initially planned.

In terms of treatments, neutralizing antibody treatments, in which antibodies are introduced via intravenous drip to patients at high risk for developing severe COVID-19, are already being used at medical facilities. In addition, oral medication to treat COVID-19 was approved for use for the first time in Japan last month, and the national government is currently working toward the practical application of a new oral medication during the month of February. Thus, I believe we can establish a clear process from infection prevention to treatment.

To our citizens and businesses: under the current circumstances, socioeconomic activity must be limited for the time being. However, I ask that you do not live in fear and remain calm. In order that we may balance infection prevention with revitalization of economic activity and for our citizens to live with peace of mind, I ask that you please persevere for the time being while redoubling your infection prevention efforts.

I ask for the continued cooperation of all Hiroshima City citizens and businesses.

January 13, 2022

MATSUI Kazumi
Mayor
The City of Hiroshima