Date: August 5, 2022
To: Students, Faculty and Staff　　　
From: President Kiyotaka Morisako,
　　　Director of the Novel Coronavirus Infection Control Task Force　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Re: Kyoto Declaration of Enhanced Anti- Omicron Subvariant BA.5 Measures

　　Kyoto Prefecture has issued a “Declaration of Enhanced BA.5 Countermeasures” in response to the increased burden on medical institutions and public health centers caused by the rapid increase in new positive cases of novel coronavirus infection.
　Although there is no change in our current measures aimed at contagion prevention, in light of this declaration, once again, we stress the importance of each of you taking consistent measures to prevent the further spread of infection.

— “Kyoto BA.5 Countermeasure Reinforcement Declaration” ———————————————————————-

　Infections, mainly of the Omicron subvariant BA.5, are spreading rapidly at a pace never experienced before, and the burden on medical institutions is increasing.
　In order to prevent further contagion, we urge you to be aware of the importance of “not becoming infected,” “not infecting others,” and “not spreading the virus” during this time of year when there are many opportunities to return home and travel, and to act with caution to prevent infection.

Request for Increased Vigilance: Until August 31, 2022
(This period may be revised in conjunction with infection rates and other factors.)

Kyoto BA.5 Countermeasures Declaration
https://www.pref.kyoto.jp/kikikanri/news/documents/040804_kongonotaiou.pdf (external link)
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Kyoto BA.5 Countermeasures Declaration (rough translation)
August 4, 2022
Kyoto Prefecture

　At a pace never experienced before, infection, mainly of the Omicron subvariant BA.5, is spreading rapidly, increasing the burden on medical institutions.
　To prevent the further spread of the infection, we should all take this opportunity to remember that we are all responsible for our own health and safety, and that we should be consistent in our awareness of the importance of “not getting infected,” “not infecting others,” and “not spreading the virus.”
　Be especially vigilant: Until August 31, 2022
　*The period may be revised depending on the infection situation and other factors.

Basic infection control measures
○Refresh the air frequently by ventilating the room.
Wear a mask when talking, including when eating and drinking.
If you are not feeling well, refrain from going out, including with family members.

(1) To prevent yourself from becoming infected
　Wear a mask properly, wash your hands frequently, use hand sanitizers when you go out, and refresh the air by frequently ventilating rooms.
　Avoid the “3C’s”, closeness to others, crowded places and loud conversations.
　When traveling or returning home, or in places where many people gather, note crowded conditions and practice basic infection control measures.

(2) Avoid infecting others.
　If you have symptoms such as fever or cough, be sure to consult a medical institution.
　Elderly people, people with underlying medical conditions, and people who have daily contact with these people should refrain from going out to places and situations where the risk of infection is high.
　Employees or other persons living with an elderly person or a person with weakened immune system should refrain from going places where the risk of infection is high.
　If your employee, etc., has someone elderly or with a medical condition in his/her life, please consider the employee’s request for telecommuting or staggered work hours.
　If you are going to be in contact with the elderly or people with underlying medical conditions when returning home, etc., conduct an examination as much as possible in advance.
　If you are going to be in contact with elderly people or people with underlying medical conditions when you return to your family home, obtain a COVID-19 test at the first hint of symptoms.

(3) Preventing the spread of infection
　To prevent the spread of the disease at workplaces, etc.
　Reduce contact with people by teleworking, working staggered work hours, commuting by bicycle, etc.
　If employees, including family members, have symptoms such as fever or cough, do not allow them to work and instruct them to consult a medical institution.
　Reexamine infection control measures in the workplace, and take particular care when switching workplaces (cafeteria, break rooms, changing rooms, smoking areas, etc.).
　In accordance with Article 24, Paragraph 9 of the Act on Special Measures, compliance with industry-specific guidelines is required.
　Be sure to take appropriate measures.

Prevent the spread of the disease in schools, day-care centers, etc.
　Please follow the rules for infection control at schools, day-care centers, etc., including daily life at schools and day-care centers and transportation to and from schools and day-care centers.
　Please take your child’s temperature every morning and monitor the child’s physical condition.
　If your child or family member(s) has symptoms such as fever or cough, refrain from going to school or preschool.
　Please remind your children to refrain from activities with a high risk of infection even during school vacations.

Prevent the spread of the disease at medical institutions and facilities for the elderly, etc.
　In order to prevent the spread of infection at medical institutions and facilities for the elderly, follow the infection control rules set by each facility, such as online visitation.
　To prevent the spread of infection in elderly care facilities, please conduct inspections of staff and other personnel.
　If you are a home health care worker or a person with close contact with the elderly, do not go out of your home during home health care.
　If you live with someone who is infected, keep your living space separate from his or hers as much as possible.
　If you have a close contact or a person living with you who has tested positive, be aware that there is a high possibility of being infected and refrain from going outside unnecessarily.

Thorough ventilation measures to prevent aerosol infection indoors
　Even when air conditioners are in use, ventilate frequently by opening windows, using fans and ventilators, etc.
　If there is a CO2 sensor, maintain the CO2 level below 1,000 ppm.
　When staying in the same place for a long period of time, such as at a meeting at home or in a business office, the risk of infection increases, so be especially careful to ventilate the room.
　In particular, elderly care facilities, schools, daycare centers, etc., should be ventilated effectively based on the Corona Subcommittee’s July 14, 2022 recommendation.
　In places where many children gather, adults around them should take precautions against infection, such as ensuring thorough ventilation.
Wear masks properly.

Countermeasures against infection when eating and drinking
　When eating or drinking use restaurants with appropriate infection control measures (certified restaurants).
　Wear a mask when talking.
　Do not talk loudly in restaurants.
　Make sure to space your seat away from others and do not spend a long time in the restaurant.
　Certified restaurants: Use restaurants and bars that have implemented infection prevention measures based on the standards set by Kyoto Prefecture, such as the installation of acrylic panels and proper ventilation.

Continuation of operations
　In order to continue work, employees with symptoms should take a leave of absence, and arrange for telework, staggered working hours, and other measures to reduce contact with people.

Holding Events
　Regardless of the size of the event, take thorough measures to prevent infection, including restricting admission based on industry-specific guidelines.

Keep Your Vaccination Status Up to Date
　Create an environment where those who wish to be vaccinated (including children, students, etc.) can go to work or school without concern for their choice.
　Those who are 60 years of age or older and those who have underlying medical conditions should receive the fourth vaccination to prevent serious illnesses.
　Please be proactive in receiving the fourth dose of the vaccine to prevent severe cases of the disease.
　The vaccine’s effectiveness peaks after the third dose, so if you have not yet received a full series of vaccinations, do so as soon as possible.
　If you are outdoors, wear a mask if you cannot maintain a safe physical distance from the person you are talking to.
　If you can keep a safe distance and rarely talk indoors, it is not necessary to wear a mask.

Utilization of Tests
　Asymptomatic persons who are concerned about infection are encouraged to take advantage of free testing services.(Request based on Article 24, Paragraph 9 of the Special Measures Law)
　If symptoms are mild and the risk of serious infection is considered low, consider using the distribution service of antigen qualitative test kits at medical institutions instead of visiting an outpatient clinic.

Only use emergency services when it is unavoidable
　Please use the emergency room or ambulance only when it is truly necessary, such as in an urgent situation.
　Don’t hesitate to call #7119. (7119 is a telephone consultation service where you can receive advice from a nurse on the necessity of a medical examination and how to cope with the situation, as well as information on specific medical institutions.Consult this service in case of sudden illness or injury.If the patient is “not breathing,” “has no pulse,” “is unconscious,” or “is bleeding profusely,” or if you yourself think it is an emergency, do not hesitate to call an ambulance by dialing 119.)