Kyushu University : Response to the implementation of priority measures to prevent the spread of disease (Covid-19) in Fukuoka Prefecture

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to intensify across the country, Fukuoka Prefecture reported more than 400 new cases yesterday, May 2, following a similar announcement on April 28.

In light of the circumstances, Fukuoka Prefecture requested on May 1 that the national government implement priority measures to prevent the spread of disease(covid-19) and plans to expand the request for businesses to shorten their operating hours to 20:00 in Fukuoka City and other areas starting May 6. While the national government deliberates regarding a formal decision to implement these measures, the timeline and other details of their applicability are still under consideration. Still, we take this request by the prefectural government very seriously. In addition to the current restrictions on university activities, we ask that all students, faculty, and staff observe the following measures for the foreseeable future, starting tomorrow, May 4.

• We again ask that you refrain from all non-essential outings.
  If you must participate in university-related activities during the holidays, please try to finish by no later than 8:00 p.m.
• We ask that you refrain from all non-essential and non-urgent travel between prefectures.
  In particular, please generally refrain from traveling to or from areas where a state of emergency has been declared.
• We ask that you refrain whenever possible from hosting any non-essential and non-urgent visits from outside the prefecture.
  In particular, we ask that you generally refrain from hosting visitors from areas where a state of emergency has been declared.
• We ask that each and every person consider the potential risk to themselves and others and refrain from activities that pose a high risk of infection, such as karaoke, eating and drinking in groups, having outdoor picnics, and conversing without a mask on.

Currently, infections in Fukuoka are mainly caused by COVID-19 variants that are believed to have a higher rate of transmission and risk of becoming severe in young adults. We ask for all members of the university body to be more vigilant than ever before about taking measures to prevent infection.

In addition, based on a request by the national government for Fukuoka Prefecture to implement priority measures to prevent the spread of disease(covid-19), we will be revising university guidance, which will be shared with all members of the university body at a later date.

May 3, 2021
Novel Coronavirus Crisis Response Headquarters