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A message from Governor Tasso during the 40th meeting of the Iwate Prefecture COVID-19 Countermeasures HQ (September 9, 2021)
Iwate prefecture
It has been one month since we declared a Prefectural State of Emergency for Iwate Prefecture.
On August 20th, we recorded 63 new infectious cases, which was the largest number yet. That was a rate of 25.9 infections per 100,000 people, but as of today, the rate is 18.7 infections per 100,000 people. Infectious cases are tending towards a decline.
During the State of Emergency, the people of Iwate strengthened their efforts to prevent the spread of the virus, including refraining from unnecessary outings. Thanks to this, we were able to avoid a doubling of cases, which meant that infected persons could continue to get treatment at a hospital or designated hotel for COVID-related treatment. I wish to express my appreciation for your efforts.
We requested that the restaurants within Morioka City reduce their business hours, and thanks to the cooperation of restaurant owners and the rest of the people of Iwate, we were able to suppress any rapid increase in our hospital bed usage rate, and were able to continue to administer necessary medical care. That is why we will end this request as planned on September 12th.
However, during this time, COVID-19 clusters were confirmed at a number of schools within the prefecture, as well as clusters at places of employment. In order to reduce the chance for interactions between people as much as possible, I would like to once again ask that you refrain from unnecessary outings and/or unnecessary crossings across prefectural borders, as well as to continue to carry out basic measures to prevent the spread of infection.
The declaration of the State of Emergency will be ended once the infection rate for the prefecture goes under 10 cases per 100,000 people per week.
At that time, restrictions will ease on social and economic activities, and the Iwate Food Support Project and other prefecturally-organized events will restart. To the people of Iwate: let’s continue working together to make that a reality.
September 9, 2021 Governor of Iwate, Tasso Takuya