※7th official communication(2020/7/17) is here.

Date: March 10, 2020
From: The Novel Coronavirus Infection Control Task Force Chief
Kiyotaka Morisako

To All Students, Faculty and Administrators,

Re: Notice on Required Anti-Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Measures (6th official communication)

　The Japanese government has announced that for the period starting from March 9 until the end of the month, any person (Japanese or non-Japanese) who has boarded an aircraft or ship arriving from China or the Republic of Korea, is required to stay for 14 days at a location designated by the quarantine station chief and not to use public transportation in Japan.

　In light of this announcement, from the viewpoint of infection prevention and the sound implementation of education and services, Kyoto Institute of Technology strongly urges students and personnel to refrain from traveling to these two countries during the above period, whether for business or personal. Please note that the period announced may be extended.

　Students and personnel who are currently in one of the two countries and are planning to return to Japan during the above period, are requested to comply with the government’s request, in order to prevent the spread of the infection.

　Furthermore, even if you return from a country or region other than the two countries above, and you have symptoms similar to those of a cold, such as coughing or fever, please refrain from coming to the university and recuperate at home, until the symptoms subside.

　To date, Kyoto Institute of Technology has issued five communications regarding measures against the novel coronavirus infection. All relevant information is summarized below. We ask for your continued alert and cooperation in order to prevent the spread of the infection.

１．Basic policies（5th communication: Notice of February 27）

・ Refrain from gatherings, eating and drinking events attended by many people.
・ Even during daily activities on campus, try to avoid situations where the distance from each other in
　closed spaces cannot be sufficiently secured.
・ If it is unavoidable that a large number of people gather, prepare a disinfectant solution, ensure
　ventilation and require attendees to wear a mask.
・ If you have symptoms similar to those of a cold, recuperate at home.
・ Refrain from traveling abroad or accepting visitors regardless of country or region.

Notes:
・The status of the novel coronavirus infection is changing every day. We will keep you informed with any updated information and points for consideration.
・Some countries and regions have restrictions on immigration for travelers from Japan. As these measures are constantly changing, please be sure to check the latest “Overseas Safety Information” site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
・Please consult with the relevant office (see “Contact” at the end of this notice) in the event that it is not easy to comply with the above measures.

２．Prevention measures（4th communication：Notice of February 21）

　In order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, it is important that symptomatic persons are careful not to contaminate others. We request that you do all you can to prevent this virus from spreading. Hand washing with soap and disinfecting your hands with alcohol are the most effective ways to prevent the spread of disease (Note that alcohol disinfectant does not prevent the spread of norovirus.) Wear a mask and/or take care to cover your mouth with a tissue, a handkerchief or your sleeve when you cough/sneeze.

◆Measures to take Against Infectious Diseases（Japanese Version）
　（Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare HP）
◆Measures to take Against Infectious Diseases（English Version）
　（Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare HP）
◆Measures to take Against COVID-19　（Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare HP）（Japanese only）
◆On the Use of Masks　（Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare HP）（Japanese only）
　Summary of mask-use website content:
　 1. Don’t buy more masks than you need.
　 2. A towel or other cloth is effective if you don’t have a mask.
　 3. Wash your hands after going home and before cooking.

　To help contain the spread not only of COVID-19, but of influenza and colds, which are mostly viral infections, remember that your personal actions matter. Be extremely vigilant. Do not push yourself to come to university when you are feeling fatigued, feverish or “not quite right.” Stay at home to avoid spreading any infection. Also, if you have a fever or cold symptoms, record your body temperature, symptoms, etc. on the attached “Self-reported Health Data Record.” （PDF、word）Continue recording your condition regularly and consult the KIT Health Care Center if necessary.

３．Call the “Center for Returnees and Persons Exposed to Infected Persons.”(4th communication：Notice of February 21)

　If you have any of the following symptoms, please call the “Center for Returnees and Persons Exposed to Infected Persons.”
(1) Symptoms of a cold, or fever of 37.5 degrees or more, that last for 4 or more days (*)
(2) Extreme drowsiness or breathlessness

* Persons described below are more likely to get sick. If you can be described as having any of the
　conditions below, and the above symptoms persist for about 2 days, call the Center below.
・ Elderly persons (aged 65 and over)
・ Persons with diabetes, heart failure, respiratory disease (COPD, etc.)
・ Persons on dialysis.
・ Persons receiving immunosuppressant treatment or chemotherapy.

Note: If you are pregnant, please call the Center for Returnees and Persons Exposed to Infected Persons as soon as possible.

４．If you suspect that you may have COVID-19
（4th communication：Notice of February 21）

　If, after hearing about your symptoms, the Center suspects you may have COVID-19, they will recommend a clinic that can diagnose you. Follow the instructions you receive from the Center.

　When you go to the clinic to be tested, inform them in advance, wear a mask to keep from spreading the infection and avoid traveling by public transportation.

　Be sure to send an email to inform the Student Affairs Office if you consult a clinic. In the message, include your student number, name, address/accommodation (College House Matsugasaki, Marikouji Kaikan, etc.), date you returned to/entered Japan, email address, symptoms and report on the instructions the health care or medical center gave you.