A message from the Governor of Iwate about COVID-19 (July 8th)

A message from Governor Tasso during the 58th meeting of the Iwate Prefecture

COVID-19 Countermeasures HQ (July 8th)

Ever since the Iwate State of Emergency was lifted on May 30th, the number of new cases within Iwate had been decreasing, however from this week, the number of new cases has increased compared to the number of new cases observed last week.

Even nationwide, the number of new cases compared to the previous week in all prefectures increased, and in many areas the number of new cases has doubled.

Within the prefecture, the spread of coronavirus is continuing, with clusters originating from education, childcare and aged care facilities as well as clusters originating from club and sports activities observed.

Yesterday, the Omicron variant BA.5 was confirmed in the prefecture.

The practicing of infection prevention measures will help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

I ask of the citizens to continue practicing the basic infection prevention measures such as hand sanitization and ventilation.

Please wear a mask in accordance with the situation, taking the risk of heatstroke, the need for conversation, distance between people and whether you are indoors or outdoors into consideration.

Please wear a mask when conversing when eating out.

Vaccines will be available until September 30th. If you wish to be vaccinated, please go and get vaccinated as soon as possible.

The summer holidays, as well as obon and many festivals and events will be held in the coming weeks. Let’s continue to facilitate social and economic activities while enforcing basic infection prevention measures.