This is a message for Kochi Prefecture citizens.
(​https://www.pref.kochi.lg.jp/soshiki/010101/files/2020030300305/file_202045020828_.pdf​)〇 Today, seven new cases have been confirmed. Until now, we were looking at an increase of
two or three cases per day. Therefore, seven people is indeed a big number. However,
although this situation sounds severe, if we look closer at the cases, six out of seven people
were in close contact with those who were already infected. Therefore, these are infection
routes that are traceable. There is only one person with an unidentified infection route.
〇 As I said on the day before yesterday, whether this will lead to a dramatic increase ininfections or not can be monitored by keeping a close eye on the number of people whose
infection route is unidentifiable. Therefore, I would like everyone to also bear in mind that wehave only one person right now whose infection route is unidentified.
〇 When we take that point into consideration, we perceive that this situation is not immediately
linked to an explosive spread of infection yet.
〇 However, regarding today’s 26th case, it has been confirmed that four family members werein close contact with the person, and have tested positive. If this case is an irregular one, thenumber of people infected should stabilize from tomorrow. It is necessary that we follow theprogression of the next few days to see if it continues to be a pace of seven people per day, or
an even higher increase rate.
〇 In any case, I would like to make a request once more to all Kochi Prefecture citizens,regarding the two main points in preventing the spread of infection.
〇 For the first point, like I said on the day before yesterday, from now until the 12th of thismonth, during the night, please refrain from going to places that have any of the “3 Cs” (“Closedspaces without sufficient ventilation”, “Crowded spaces with lots of people”, “Conversations at ashort distance”). Please also refrain from going to big cities where COVID-19 is currentlyspreading. I am asking all of you to practice self-restraint in your actions. This request of mine is
not to be taken lightly, and will continue to be strongly requested.
〇 For the second point, I have been requesting all to follow for some time now. I will once again
request for a strict effort regarding the fundamental prevention in the spreading COVID-19.
Cases of infection due to close contact amongst family members and relatives, like this newcase, have happened. I ask everyone to strictly and thoroughly make efforts to prevent
infections through “washing hands”, “proper coughing etiquette”, and “mask wearing” measures.
〇 Moreover, regarding the 28th case confirmed today, we suspect that the person was infected
while attending a memorial service. Recently, the national assembly of experts haverecommended that in areas like Kochi Prefecture where infections have been confirmed,

citizens should refrain from taking part in meetings, events, etc. with gatherings of more than 50people.
〇 In addition to reminding everyone in Kochi Prefecture once more regarding therecommendations of the assembly of experts, I would also like to add that for unavoidable
meetings or events of less than 50 people, I would like all citizens and companies to continue tocarry out measures to limit infection, for example, by wearing masks. Everyone should takeprecautions and keep paying attention.
〇 Even now we are working hard on reinforcing our medical infrastructure but if the spread
continues at a rate like today, maintaining the medical system will become even more important.
With this, we have instructed the relevant departments in the prefectural office again to continue
strengthening and developing the medical system, including splitting the facilities where patientsare cared for depending on the severity of their symptoms.
〇 Although these are difficult times, I ask for the cooperation of all citizens in the efforts to keep
this virus from spreading, so that we do not see an explosive spread. Moreover, I hope we canhave the situation back to normal as soon as possible.

April 4th, 2020 Kochi Prefecture Covid-19 Emergency Headquarters Chief
Seiji Hamada (Prefectural Governor)