Notice on Required Anti-Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Measures (8th official communication)

Date: April 8, 2020
From: The Novel Coronavirus Infection Control Task Force Chief
Kiyotaka Morisako

To All Students, Faculty and Administrators,

Re: Notice on Required Anti-Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Measures (8th official communication)

 Further to previous communications highlighting the need for self-restraint with regard to traveling overseas, and in light of the recent state of emergency declaration for Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, Osaka, Hyogo and Fukuoka, we have revised the “1. Basic policies” as follows (additional policy on domestic travel).
 We ask for your continued cooperation in making sure to avoid the “3Cs” (Confined spaces, Crowded places, Close contact), to wear a mask and to wash your hands regularly, in order to protect your own health and at the same time prevent the spread of the infection to others.

1.Basic policies(5th communication: Notice of February 27;
7th communication: March 17; updated in 8th communication)

?Refrain from gatherings, eating and drinking events attended by many people.
?Even during daily activities on campus, try to avoid situations where the distance from each other
 in closed spaces cannot be sufficiently secured.
?If it is unavoidable that a large number of people gather, prepare a disinfectant solution, ensure
 ventilation and require attendees to wear a mask.
?If you have symptoms similar to those of a cold, recuperate at home.
?Refraining from traveling abroad or accepting visitors, regardless of country or region,
 is strongly requested (updated in 7th communication).
?Persons returning to or entering Japan from abroad, regardless of country or region,
 are strongly requested to remain at home for two weeks (added in 7th communication).
?Travelling overseas for business is not allowed, regardless of country or region
 (added in 7th communication).
?You are requested to refrain from visiting the emergency declaration areas, unless absolutely
 necessary (added in 8th communication).

◎Main measures based on the basic policies

?The start date of the face-to-face classes will be postponed to May 7 (3/30 notification)
?From April 13 to May 1, instructors in charge of each subject will assign learning tasks equivalent to
 one class, by Moodle, Academic Affairs Division HP etc. (3/30, 4/3 notifications)
?For face-to-face classroom lectures the seats will be rearranged so there is sufficient space between
 all persons in the room. If that is not feasible, two, 45-minute lessons will be held in the 90 minute
 class period (4/3 notification)
?Consider not only face-to-face classroom lectures, but also their combination with remote teaching
 (4/3 notification)
?Students’ laboratory activities will, in principle, be prohibited until June 30 (updated on 4/20)
 (4/20 notification)
?Orientation for new students and international students will be canceled and physical examination
 (excluding the special physical examination for students) will be postponed
  (4/3 President’s notification)
?All extracurricular activities will be prohibited until the beginning of the first (spring) semester.
 (3/25 notification)
?Students who live in emergency declaration areas are requested to refrain from attending school.
 For faculty and staff, temporary measures for working from home will be implemented.
  (4/8 notification)

Notes:
?The status of the novel coronavirus infection is changing every day. We will keep you informed
 with any updated information and points for consideration.
?Please consult with the relevant office (see “Contact” at the end of this notice) in the event that
 it is not easy to comply with the above measures.
(Reference) Some countries and regions have placed restrictions on immigration for travelers from
 Japan. In addition, please note that both Japanese and foreign nationals, coming from specific
 areas, are required by the Japanese government to remain for 14 days at a location designated
 by the quarantine station chief, and not to use public transportation in Japan.

2.Prevention measures(4th communication:Notice of February 21)

          Persons with cough, fever or other symptoms of a cold
        Refrain from coming to the university and recuperate at home.

 In order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, it is important that symptomatic persons are careful not to contaminate others. We request that you do all you can to prevent this virus from spreading. Hand washing with soap and disinfecting your hands with alcohol are the most effective ways to prevent the spread of disease (Note that alcohol disinfectant does not prevent the spread of norovirus.) Wear a mask and/or take care to cover your mouth with a tissue, a handkerchief or your sleeve when you cough/sneeze.

Measures to take Against Infectious Diseases(Japanese Version)
 (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare HP)
Measures to take Against Infectious Diseases(English Version)
 (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare HP)
Measures to take Against COVID-19 (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare HP)(Japanese only)
On the Use of Masks (Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare HP)(Japanese only)
 Summary of mask-use website content:
  1. Don’t buy more masks than you need.
  2. A towel or other cloth is effective if you don’t have a mask.
  3. Wash your hands after going home and before cooking.

 To help contain the spread not only of COVID-19, but of influenza and colds, which are mostly viral infections, remember that your personal actions matter. Be extremely vigilant. Do not push yourself to come to university when you are feeling fatigued, feverish or “not quite right.” Stay at home to avoid spreading any infection. Also, if you have a fever or cold symptoms, record your body temperature, symptoms, etc. on the attached “Self-reported Health Data Record.” (PDFword)Continue recording your condition regularly and consult the KIT Health Care Center if necessary.

  • Health Service Center, Kyoto Institute of Technology
    Ph: 075-724-7173
    E-mail: hcsc[at]jim.kit.ac.jp

3.Call the “Center for Returnees and Persons Exposed to Infected Persons.”(4th communication:Notice of February 21)

 If you have any of the following symptoms, please call the “Center for Returnees and Persons Exposed to Infected Persons.”
(1) Symptoms of a cold, or fever of 37.5 degrees or more, that last for 4 or more days (*)
(2) Extreme drowsiness or breathlessness

* Persons described below are more likely to get sick. If you can be described as having any of the
 conditions below, and the above symptoms persist for about 2 days, call the Center below.
? Elderly persons (aged 65 and over)
? Persons with diabetes, heart failure, respiratory disease (COPD, etc.)
? Persons on dialysis.
? Persons receiving immunosuppressant treatment or chemotherapy.

Note: If you are pregnant, please call the Center for Returnees and Persons Exposed to Infected Persons as soon as possible.

  • Kyoto:
    Center for Returnees and Persons Exposed to Infected Persons
    (kikokusha/sesshokusha gairai帰国者?接触者外来)
    Hours: 24 hours a day, weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
    Phone number: 075-414-4726

4.If you suspect that you may have COVID-19
(4th communication:Notice of February 21)

 If, after hearing about your symptoms, the Center suspects you may have COVID-19, they will recommend a clinic that can diagnose you. Follow the instructions you receive from the Center.

 When you go to the clinic to be tested, inform them in advance, wear a mask to keep from spreading the infection and avoid traveling by public transportation.

 Be sure to send an email to inform the Student Affairs Office if you consult a clinic. In the message, include your student number, name, address/accommodation (College House Matsugasaki, Marikouji Kaikan, etc.), date you returned to/entered Japan, email address, symptoms and report on the instructions the health care or medical center gave you.

  • Student
    Contact: Student Affairs Office (Student Activities and Support)
      (TEL)075-724-7144、(E-mail)stu_seikatu[at]jim.kit.ac.jp
  • Staff
    Contact: KIT General Affairs and Planning Office
      (TEL)075-724-7014、(E-mail)soumuki[at]jim.kit.ac.jp
  • For information on classes contact
    Contact: KIT Educational Affairs Office Undergraduate Registrar
      (TEL)075-724-7718、(E-mail)edu-2[at]kit.ac.jp
    Contact: KIT Educational Affairs Office Graduate Registrar
      (TEL)075-724-7134、(E-mail)edu-1[at]kit.ac.jp