October 28, 2022
To the people of Ehime,Announcement Regarding the Alert Level for theNovel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Special Alert Period has been in effect since the alert level was raisedin Ehime Prefecture on July 12, continuing even after the declaration to
public health crisis due to the BA.5 subvariant ended on September 16.
Thanks to everyone’s cooperation, the latest number of in-patients has
decreased to about forty people, and the number of daily cases is about
about a seventh of what it was during the peak in late August, which isnearing the national average. However, a spike in cases has been recentlyobserved in the Niihama and Saijo area, so please continue to be cautious.
Taking this into consideration, we will transition back to an “Infection
Alert Period” starting tomorrow on Saturday, October 29 for all areas
except for Niihama and Saijo.
In Niihama and Saijo, the “Special Alert Period” will continue in place
given the current situation. For those who live or commute to this area,
please be careful for the time being as there is an increased risk ofinfection.
Furthermore, please remember that you should still practice basic
preventive measures even with this transition. Experts are predicting there
will be an eighth wave around the time of seasonal influenza and other suchoutbreaks. Therefore, we would like to ask you to adhere to the following:
1. Continue to practice thorough preventive measures
2. Any socioeconomic activities should take into account the appropriate
infection control measures
3. If eligible, be proactive in getting vaccinated to prepare for theincoming influenza season
If these criteria are not followed, and people’s lives are in danger or if themedical burden increases, we will have no choice but to raise the alert levelback to a Special Alert Period. Please always keep in mind the above, anddiligently comply with the following infection control measures in order tocontinue forward with this “new normal.”Main Changes○ Preventive Measures Basic preventive measures must be practice in preparation for theinfluenza season.
 Please be aware that the Special Alert Period is still in effect in theNiihama and Saijo area, and exercise caution when you are there.
○ Dining Restrictions
 There will be no uniform restrictions on the number of people or time,
but please be careful and avoid high risk activities.
 For older adults and others at a high risk of severe illness, pleaseavoid going out in large groups for long periods of time. If possible,
please go only after getting vaccinated.
 Dining in Niihama and Saijo will continue to be restricted to smallergroups and shorter hours.
○ Events
 Participants must comply with any precautions outlined by theorganizers.
 Large-scale events in Niihama and Saijo where participants from allover Japan will come will need to implement thorough infection
control measures such as checking proof of vaccination or negative
test results.
○ Vaccination
 Vaccination for the Omicron strain is highly encouraged(The minimum interval period you must wait to get the Omicron
vaccine has been shortened from five months to three months. You
must get the first two doses of the standard vaccine by the end of theyear, so please consider getting vaccinated soon if you have notalready.) Please be proactive in getting the influenza vaccination as well,although please note that this vaccine is not free.
○ Preventive Measures for Older Adults
 Regardless of the type of vaccine, please get vaccinated with theOmicron vaccine as soon as possible.
 Older adults who are at a high risk of severe illness should also get
the influenza vaccine as soon as possible.
Tokihiro NAKAMURA
Governor of Ehime Prefecture