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The number of daily cases had flattened up until the end of last week. This week, we have seen an increase, and the rate of cases has surpassed 100 new cases per 100,000 people during the week.

Adding to the clusters of infections within education institutions, child-care facilities, and schools, infections within families, workplaces, and the public welfare sectors are increasing. Spread among those under the age of 10, the elderly and those with underlying conditions has also been increasing.

As for the elderly and those with underlying conditions, even if they don’t develop corona virus related pneumonia, there are fears that those groups will have their underlying conditions and aspirated pneumonia worsen in severity.

Due to the sudden increase in cases, and healthcare professionals becoming close contacts and being unable to work, the burden on healthcare institutions is increasing. There is concern that further spread of infection will start to effect everyday medical activities such as surgeries, examinations and emergency care.

According to the government’s Corona Virus Countermeasure National Advisory Board, it is essential to strengthen and implement infection measures based on the characteristics of the Omicron variant, and spread awareness to the citizens and businesses so they can co-operate in preventing further spread of infection.

Iwate Prefecture has also received new guidelines based on the characteristics of the Omicron variant, from the Iwate Corona Virus Expert Committee and so I would like to ask the people and businesses help in implementing them.

At schools, preschools and childcare facilities
・ For staff and parents to follow the prevention measures and wear masks as well as frequently sanitize playground equipment.
・ The wearing of masks within the reasonable bounds where one deems it is not harming the child’s development.
・ That in the event of a fever, the child should refrain from going to school, or child care institution.

At elderly care facilities
・ For the grasp and measurement of the health conditions of those entering the facility and staff and for the quick realization of those who may have corona virus.
・ For the quick vaccination of those who want a vaccine booster dose.

At the workplace
・ For the reduction of those coming to work though teleworking and the promotion of taking days off.

Today in Iwate, there are over 1600 people recuperating at home.

I have a request to those recuperating at home.

There have been reports that some people recuperating at home, have left their houses for reasons like showing no symptoms or periodic hospital visits.

While recuperating at home I urge you to refrain from going outside.

If you feel unwell please promptly contact the health department or the Iwate Health Monitoring Support Center.

If you require food, you can contact the Iwate Health Monitoring Support Center and a food package will be delivered to you.

In order to protect the lives and health of everyone living in Iwate, I once again would like to re-emphasize the continued abidance to basic corona virus prevention measures.