The government has asked local authorities nationwide to set up more evacuation centers and consider measures for people infected with the new coronavirus, to prevent the spread of mass infections in the event of an earthquake or flood.
With the "flood season" approaching, in which water-related disasters readily occur due to such factors as the rainy season and typhoons, the government's aim is to prevent mass infections and damage from natural disasters from occuring at the same time.
A notice to local governments was issued jointly by the Cabinet Office, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry and the Fire and Disaster Management Agency on April 7, the day the government declared a state of emergency in seven prefectures, including Tokyo.
The notice urges local governments to "set up as many shelters as possible" and "consider the use of hotels, ryokan Japanese-style inns and the homes of relatives and friends as shelters," in order to avoid overcrowded shelters in the event of a disaster.
Regarding people who have been infected with the coronavirus, the notice says, "It is not appropriate for patients, even those with mild symptoms, to stay in general shelters in principle," and calls on local governments to coordinate with their health and welfare departments before evacuations start.
Even before an infection is confirmed, people with fever and a cough are urged to stay in private rooms and use a different restroom from other evacuees as much as possible. The notice also urged local governments to encourage evacuees to wash their hands, ventilate rooms, observe coughing etiquette and secure sufficient distance between evacuees.
The risk of infection is believed to be extremely high at evacuation centers, where the "three Cs" -- closed spaces, crowded places and close contact -- can readily occur. There also tends to be a high proportion of elderly people.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
