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As of today (November 18), the number of new cases per 100,000 people in the prefecture is 628, and for the first time since August, the number of new cases has exceeded 1,500 on some days, approaching the situation in August and September when the virus spread most widely in the prefecture.

When the virus spread in the summertime, along with the increase in cases, there was also a lack of healthcare workers due to infection and close contact rules, affecting not only coronavirus related facilities but general healthcare services such as emergency care.

Currently, the burden on healthcare facilities is increasing. In order to prevent an increase in new cases and prevent straining our medical system, I ask of everyone to thoroughly practice infection prevention measures.

We have recently received advice on infection prevention measures from the Iwate Coronavirus Expert Committee. The Countermeasures HQ also has outlined advice under “A request for thorough infection prevention measures and preparation”. We ask of the citizens and businesses to put these recommendations into practice, especially with the below points:

• There will be more opportunities to meet people towards the end and the beginning of the year. If you wish to have the vaccine that is effective against the Omicron variant, please get vaccinated as soon as possible.
  
• Even as the seasons change and the temperature drops, please do not forget to ventilate using air purifiers or opening doors and windows, and regulate the indoor humidity.
  
• Please regularly wash your hands, practice coughing etiquette, and wear non-fabric masks when appropriate.
  
• Please prepare rapid antigen tests and fever medicine in case you are asked to home quarantine. If you are under the age of 65 and have fever symptoms, we will be able to send you a testing kit if you contact the Iwate Testing Kit Center.
  
• If you decide to go to a medical center, if possible, please go on a weekday during the daytime.
  
  

I ask of every single person in Iwate to practice infection prevention measures that are appropriate to the situation.