To Prevent the Spread of New Coronavirus Infections
Oshu City Mayor
The number of new coronavirus infections continues to increase
nationwide with the 8th wave.
Within the jurisdiction of the Oshu Public Health Center, thenumber of new infections in a single day reached a record high of 284
on December 20, with clusters occurring at multiple facilities for theelderly.
Medical institutions in the prefecture have been forced to restrict
general medical care, such as suspending the admission of inpatientsand postponing less urgent surgeries, due to an increase in the numberof patients and a series of absences from medical staff due to infections,etc. The reality is that we are in a situation where lives that can besaved cannot be saved.

It has been recognized that we are at theequivalent of level 4 (medical dysfunction) according to prefectural
standards, especially in the southern part of the prefecture.
Furthermore, on December 14, the prefecture reported that the flu
season had begun for the first time in three years, raising concerns
about a simultaneous epidemic.
As we approach the year-end and New Year holidays, we will havemore opportunities to come into contact with people we do not normally
meet, such as at dinners, homecomings, and on trips.

In order to avoid

further strain on the medical system, all citizens are requested tothoroughly implement basic infection control measures such as wearing
appropriate masks, washing hands, and ensuring adequate ventilationeven in cold weather.

In addition, I would ask for your cooperation in

the following three points.
First, we ask that those who are at low risk of becoming seriously
ill and have mild symptoms perform self-examinations, take over-thecounter medicines, and recuperate at home in order to prevent a
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convergence of examinations and consultations at medical institutions.
Second, please stock up on over-the-counter medicines such as
antigen test kits and antipyretics, as well as groceries and daily
necessities for about a week in preparation for infection.
Third, if you feel unwell and need to visit a medical institution,please call in advance and try to see a doctor during the daytime on
weekdays as much as possible.
During the year-end and New Year holidays, many clinics are closed,and pharmacies are expected to operate to a limited extent.
In order to prevent patients from converging on medical institutions,the city will provide a drive-through system in the parking lot of theEsashi General Branch Office for those with symptoms such as fever toprovide free test kits from December 29 to January 3.

If you havesymptoms such as a sudden fever during the year-end and New Yearholidays, please take measures based on the flow chart named “What if
you think you might have been infected with the coronavirus during theyear-end and New Year holidays?”
The city is performing vaccinations against the BA.5 strain. We
would like to ask not only the elderly who are at high risk of developing
severe symptoms, but also young people who have refrained fromgetting vaccinated, to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
In addition, we continue to provide vaccinations to infants (6months to 4 years old) and children (5 to 11 years old), so please consider
getting them vaccinated.

21 December 2022
Jun KURANARI, Mayor, Oshu Cityえい ご ばんさくせい【英語版 作 成

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