A comprehensive Yamanashi Guide to COVID-19
How to use this guide: Click a category in the upper chart to be brought there. The main parts of each section are listed in bullet points underneath the main title. For more comprehensive information please read the whole section. You can also click the title in the sidebar.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is the new respiratory disease spreading around the world and it is caused by a coronavirus. COVID-19 is short for Coronavirus Disease 2019.
The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) often referred to as COVID-19 or more simply, the coronavirus is a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) that was newley identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. Since the first cases were reported, the outbreak has rapidly spread through China and many locations worldwide. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illness in both humans and animals. The illnesses brought about from the coronavirus have ranged from the common cold (ex. Respiratory syndrome, fever, cough, etc.) to more severe sicknesses such as pneumonia and severe acute respiratory syndrome .
PLEASE NOTE: The virus that causes COVID-19 and the one that caused the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 are related to each other genetically, but the diseases they cause are quite different. SARS was more deadly but much less infectious than COVID-19, the SARS that may be caused by the coronavirus is a different strain of this so please keep this in mind.
As of April 02, 2020 there have been over 920,000 in at least 180 countries and territories with the highest numbers being in America, Italy, Spain, China and Germany in that order.
In comparison with other countries, Japan is relatively low on the list with only 2,412 cases, and 67 deaths. In our prefecture of Yamanashi there have only been 9 confirmed cases.
There are three parameters to understand in order to assess the magnitude of the risk posed by this novel coronavirus:
Transmission Rate (Ro) - number of newly infected people from a single case
World Health Organization (WHO)'s estimated (on Jan. 23) Ro to be between 1.4 and 2.5.
Case Fatality Rate (CFR) - percent of cases that result in death
3.4% Mortality Rate estimate by the WHO as of March 3
Determine whether asymptomatic transmission is possible
As of now it has been discovered that coronavirus can be spread from someone who carries the virus but shows no symptoms. Thus many governments across the world have decided on a two week incubation period. However, there have been outlier cases such as people who left the diamond princess cruise ship after incubation, returned home and tested positive, as well as a case where someone tested positive in China after 27 days.
How does the virus spread?
Droplets from coughing, sneezing and exhaling.
The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.
As of March 9th, the World Health Organization says the virus that causes COVID-19 doesn't seem to linger in the air or be capable of spreading through the air over distances of more than about 3 feet. However, there are experts in virus transmission said it's way too soon to know that and there have been multiple advisories to increase that distance to 6 ft / 1.8 meters.
These droplets can travel only short distances through the air and either land on people or land on surfaces that people later touch. Stopping this kind of transmission is why public health officials urge people to wash hands frequently and not touch the face, because that could bring the virus into contact with the nose or mouth.
Who is at high risk?
Everyone is at risk of getting COVID-19, but some people are at higher risk of serious illness.
Generally speaking, adults aged 65 and older and people of any age with heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes with complications (such as but not limited to kidney disease heart disease, and neuropathy) may be at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19.
What are the symptoms?
Fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Cough, Shortness of breath and Fever (Yamanashi Prefecture asks citizens to take extra care if a fever of over 37.5° C/99.5° F is developed)
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, and many have recovered.
However, it is important to note that Coronavirus symptoms are expected to remain minor (similar to that of the common cold) for 80% of those infected.
Similar to the infection prevention measures taken for a cold or during flu season, it is important for each and every person to follow the proper coughing/sneezing etiquette and to wash their hands (long enough to sing happy birthday twice).
When should I, and how can I consult a medical professional?
Those with a temperature of > 37.5℃ and have developed respiratory symptoms (no matter how minor) and have had close contact with confirmed Coronavirus infectees should contact your local Returnee / Exposed Persons Consultation Center.
Those who fulfill the criteria suspecting them of the coronavirus will be directed to a dedicated specialist and move onto testing.
If you have been to a severely affected region (such as Tokyo or Osaka), or if you have come into contact with someone who has, and have had symptoms such as coughing and fever; we ask that you make sure to wear a mask and contact a health center in advance.
In order to protect the health and lives of Yamanashi citizens in the midst of the infectious coronavirus, we believe that it is important to prevent infection by spreading accurate information to help prevent confusion and reduce anxiety amongst the people. Feel free to check back here at any time for the most recent information.
The Returnee / Exposed Persons Consultation Centers have been established with the intention of mitigating anxieties of any potentially infected persons who don’t know what medical facilities to go to. Essentially, first you must call your local center and explain your symptoms. If they decide that you meet the criteria to be tested they will direct you to testing center.
[List of Returnee / Exposed Persons Consultation Centers ]
corona health centers.docxDuring nights and holidays, an emergency contact number will be left as via voicemail.
Also, beginning from 01/29/20 a dedicated Coronavirus Consultation hotline for Yamanashi residents has been opened.
Phone number：０５５－２２３－８８９６
Fax ：０５５－２２３－１４9９
Hours of Operation：Weekdays 9am~5pm
Can I take leave from work?
Temporary leave financial subsidies to prevent the spread of infection:
If you become infected or have come into close contact with an infected individual, you may be eligible for a subsidy. This system has been established to encourage those who have been infected or have come into contact with the infected to not push themselves and be able to take needed time off of work.
Those who fall under all four of the following categories are eligible.
1. Persons whose domicile is located in Yamanashi Prefecture;
2. A Worker to whom the Labor Standards Act applies or an individual business operator engaged in business activities;
This term refers to people who work and self-employed who receive wages from business establishments. Part-time jobs are also eligible.
3. Infected or those who have been in close contact with the infected;
Applicable to those who receive hospitalization orders or a request to refrain from going out.
4. During the period of absence from work, compensation for absence from work under the Labor Standards Act and compensation for injury and disease under the Health Insurance Act;
Any other person for whom public benefits, etc. for compensation of salary or business income are not paid.
Those who have not received any official compensation for their absence from work, or those who are not on paid leave. (JET ALTs will have to check with their CO/contracts if they qualify for this).
[ Here ] is the Japanese language document on this for your reference.
Government issued Guidelines
The following is a quick summary of information posted by multiple embassys and the Japanese Government. Please reference.
Japanese Government: There have been 2178 people tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia in Japan as of April 1st announced by WHO. Please see the link for guidelines and policy updates within the country.
If you wish to return home, do so as soon as possible—if you do not, prepare to be unable to return to the US for an extended period of time.
As of April 1st, 38 confirmed cases. No travel warnings yet.
Embassy of the United Kingdom:
Stay at home: Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home).
If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times
Wash your hands as soon as you get home
Do not meet others, even friends or family
You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.
Due to ongoing concerns related to the spread of COVID-19, preventative measures have been enacted throughout our global network of offices. Consular services remain available to Canadians. Many Government of Canada offices are encouraging clients to limit in-person visits. Canadians in need of assistance should contact the Government of Canada office nearest them by phone or e-mail before visiting in person. You can also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.
There is no official notice posted for those in Japan. However the SA government has created a coronavirus information site linked above.
They have posted a helpful guide so please see linked above.