COVID-19: Message from the Mayor (as of 1/31/2022)

Since the beginning of the year, our city has seen COVID-19 infections spreading faster than we’ve ever seen before. The spread of infection has yet to be stopped; the number of new patients announced for January 22 was 1,001, the highest number of cases to date.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in our city from the first infection in March 2020 until December 2021 is 13,200; however, the number of new cases from January 1-31 of this year is 15,879. This is our COVID-19 situation: in a single month, we have had more patients than the last year and ten months combined.

According to epidemiological surveys taken by the City of Hiroshima beginning in January, infections among the younger generation are high with patients younger than 40 making up 60% of all cases. Regarding severity of cases, while the majority of cases are mild with only a few cases of severe illness, the percentage of moderate cases among the elderly population is relatively high compared to other age groups.

As we believe that it is the responsibility of the municipal government to carry out the measures set by the national and prefectural governments steadily and without fail,

we are working to strengthen our medical systems by increasing the number of staff working at health offices and ward health centers so that we may detect new patients early and provide them with the appropriate medical care. We are also doing everything that we can for other measures, such as conducting epidemiological surveys, transporting patients, and conducting daily health checks for patients recovering at home.

In the midst of this, as there is considerable strain on the duties of health offices and centers due to the sharp rise in cases, we have decided to conduct proactive epidemiological surveys primarily focused on preventing patients from becoming severely ill. Specifically, in order to enable health offices and centers to continue conducting surveys and testing for those in medical or social welfare facilities who are at risk of developing severe COVID-19, we have revised our policy for all other patients. Health centers and offices will continue to identify close-contacts for all other patients; however, it will be the responsibility of the patient to contact close-contacts other than those who live with them.

The City of Hiroshima is doing everything it can for these measures, but we as a municipal organization alone cannot bring an end to COVID-19. For that, the cooperation of our citizens is indispensable. I ask that each and every one of you keep this in mind and take measures to prevent infection-via-droplets (avoid the 3Cs, proper mask-wearing, plenty of ventilation) as well as thoroughly adhere to basic infection prevention measures such as hand washing and sanitization.

As the percentage of moderate cases among the elderly population is rising, we are beginning to implement additional vaccinations for the elderly ahead of schedule this month for those who have been fully vaccinated six months ago. In addition, beginning tomorrow, in order to prevent the development of severe COVID-19 in those with underlying conditions and those with disabilities, and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to essential workers, such as those who work at places like social welfare facilities and schools where clusters frequently occur, we will also offer these people additional vaccinations in advance. I ask that those who wish to be vaccinated to please do so as soon as possible to prevent the development of severe COVID-19 and to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in general.

January 31, 2022

MATSUI Kazumi
Mayor
The City of Hiroshima