AMBASSADORAUSTRALIAN EMBASSY
TOKYO

3 April 2020
To Australian English Teachers and Advisors in JapanThe spread of COVID-19 has caused untold suffering and continues to greatly impact ourdaily lives. The Australian Government is working with the States and Territories toimplement measures to prevent the spread of the virus and protect Australian communities.
At the Australian Embassy in Tokyo and the Australian Consulate-General in Osaka, our key
priority is securing the welfare of Australian citizens in Japan. As English teachers andadvisors, your roles inevitably require close contact with members of the community. Several
Australians have been in touch with concerns about the lack of protection measures inworkplaces.
We share your concern and have raised this issue with relevant bodies. While we are unable
to directly intervene in individual employment arrangements, we can provide informationfrom the Australian Government on how to protect yourselves and ensure your welfare
during this difficult time.
Most importantly, if you are considering returning to Australia, it is imperative that you act
immediately. The number of flights between Japan and Australia has drastically reduced in
the past weeks, and currently ANA operates the only flight to Australia. This service toSydney will soon be reduced to three times per week and with the strict travel restrictions
implemented by both the Australian and Japanese Government, this flight could be suspended
at any time at short notice. At this stage it is uncertain if there will be any further flights toAustralia after 24 April 2020, and flights could end sooner than this.
If you decide to remain in Japan, you will need to prepare to stay for an extended period oftime. In addition to following the instructions of the Japanese Government and local
government authorities, it will be important that you:
-Ensure you have ongoing accommodation and available funds for an extended period;-Confirm your health insurance is sufficient to cover all eventualities;-

Stay in touch with your friends and family in Australia; and-

Follow the Australian Embassy’s social media accounts and subscribe toSmartraveller.

If you do not have secure arrangements in place, all Australians are advised to return toAustralia now while commercial options are still available.

2-1-14 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8361, JapanTelephone: 81 3 5232 4120 Facsimile: 81 3 5232 4157

AMBASSADORAUSTRALIAN EMBASSYTOKYO

The Australian Government has issued useful guidance on its website on how to protect
yourself and others from COVID-19. The Japanese National Tourism Organization also has
regularly-updated information in English about where to get assistance in Japan.

Relevant links:
DFAT’s Consular Services Charter:
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/consular-services/consular-services-charter
DFAT’s Travel Advice for Japan:
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/japan
The Australian Department of Health’s website:
https://www.health.gov.au/
The Japanese National Tourism Organization’s COVID-19 website:
https://www.japan.travel/en/coronavirus/

2-1-14 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8361, Japan
Telephone: 81 3 5232 4128 Facsimile: 81 3 5232 4157