December 23, 2021

Decmeber 22, 2021

To all students,

Recently, there has been a downward trend in the number of coronavirus cases in Japan and thanks in part to your cooperation, the amount of new daily cases in Hyogo Prefecture has also decreased. However, at the same time there are concerns about the spread of the new omicron variant.

As we enter the New Year period, you are likely to have more opportunities to travel between prefectures, such as to go back to your hometown, and to take part in seasonal traditions, such as the first shrine visit of the New Year. However, we strongly advise everyone to continue practicing the basic infection prevention measures (such as wearing a mask, gargling, washing hands, practicing social distancing and ensuring sufficient ventilation), monitoring your own health and taking extra care not to pass on infection to others.

Each and every student should follow the infection prevention measures properly and refrain from taking part in social gatherings involving alcohol, as well as lengthily group meals. Please remember that always making sure to behave carefully enables you to freely enjoy aspects of student life, such as studying, playing sports and taking part in cultural activities.

 

OHMURA Naoto

Executive Vice President in Charge of Education and Internationalization

 

Related links:

• The Cabinet Secretariat’s Office for Novel Coronavirus Disease Control: COVID-19 Information and Resources (in English).
• Union of Kansai Governments' Coronavirus page (Guidelines for residents of the Kansai area on infection prevention, Japanese only). Key points include: 1. thorough infection prevention- including avoiding going to work/school/or socializing when you feel even slightly unwell (have a fever or cough etc.), 2. Refraining from risky behavior (going to crowded and lengthily gatherings, or restaurants/bars etc. that don’t adhere to infection prevention rules), 3. Getting vaccinated: residents are urged to get vaccinated for influenza during flu season and to get the coronavirus booster vaccination when it becomes available.