No.99 COVID-19

COVID-19 is the virus that causes the infectious disease confirmed in November last year and reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 31 of the first year of Reiwa. It had an outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, and spread throughout the country during the second year of Reiwa.
As of the end of February in the second year of Reiwa, on the 26th, the Prime Minister requested the cancellation or postponement of nationwide sports and cultural events that gather large crowds due to the high risk of large-scale infections. Various professional sports responded by canceling, postponing, or holding matches without spectators, and concerts and exhibitions were also canceled. Additionally, on the 27th, a request was made for all elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, and special support schools nationwide to temporarily close from March 2 of the second year of Reiwa until spring break, and the governors and mayors of municipalities, who are the operators of each school, are struggling to respond.
In Inagi City, due to the sudden changes making it difficult for families and schools to respond, the 2nd and 3rd were designated as regular class days to allow for a preparation period before the school closure. Furthermore, to support families who find it difficult to take leave for childcare, a system for taking care of children at school has also been established.
By the time this issue is distributed to everyone, I continue to write in hopes that the national measures will be effective and that we will see a prospect for the end of the situation.

On January 29, 2020, Inagi City convened the first meeting of the COVID-19 Information Liaison Conference to share information on the outbreak situation. The day before, there was an announcement that the first confirmed case of infection in Japan had been identified, prompting the city to decide on measures such as posting warning notices at various facilities, allowing staff at service counters to wear masks, and distributing emails to citizens. Since the city operates the Inagi City Fire Department and hospitals, we confirmed our response in anticipation of a potential spread of the infection.
Subsequently, in line with the amendments to government ordinances and ministerial ordinances regarding COVID-19, the Crisis Management Headquarters was established on January 31, 2020, and a total of eight meetings of the headquarters were held by the end of February 2020, responding each time based on information and requests from the government and Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
COVID-19 was an unknown virus until it was isolated, and while it can be confirmed through testing at this point, unfortunately, there is no treatment available, and symptomatic treatment is the main focus.
Initially, regarding COVID-19, the WHO underestimated the risk, leading to delays in appropriate information provision and measures, and the national response based on that information lagged. While struggling with the response to Japanese nationals returning from Wuhan, a cluster infection occurred on a foreign cruise ship where the legal responsibility was unclear, and we were overwhelmed with the response. It is unfortunate that a series of unprecedented events occurred, making it difficult to respond appropriately each time.
However, I believe we should not merely criticize the efforts of those involved who are working day and night to solve the problems. It is true that both the government and local authorities have their responsibilities, but in times of national crisis, it is important for everyone to unite and fight together.
Our country's infectious disease measures are recognized as being inferior compared to other advanced countries, which has been a long-standing issue. I believe the factors contributing to this are complex and intertwined with issues such as financial resources, insurance systems, legal system deficiencies, and human rights issues, rather than medical technology.
Regardless of whether Japan aims to be a tourism-oriented country in the future, it is necessary to raise the level of quarantine, epidemic prevention, and various infectious disease measures.
Therefore, after this incident comes to an end, I hope that a series of measures will be reviewed and lead to improvements in the future.