Video message from the Mayor about the lifting of the state of emergency (2021.3.24)

You can also watch the video message with English subtitles below.

Residents of Yokohama:
This is Mayor HAYASHI Fumiko.

On March 21, the state of emergency was lifted.
I offer my heartfelt gratitude to health care workers, welfare facilities, child care centers, schools, everyone affected by infection prevention measures, to our local businesses, and to all our residents for their efforts over the last two and half months.

Accordingly, Yokohama will gradually ease restrictions on the use of public facilities and for events.
Until April 21, public facilities may stay open until 9 p.m., and city-organized events be held with up to 10 thousand, and also end by 9 p.m.

Yokohama identified 294 new COVID-19 cases last week, a significant drop compared to mid January, when a record 2,723 cases were reported in one week.
Also, of those hospitalized, 4 (2%) have severe symptoms, 40 (16%) have moderate symptoms, and 205 (82%) have only mild or none at all. In all, hospitals have admitted 103 patients testing positive, using 18.7% of local available beds, providing both COVID-19 treatment and general care.

To restore our everyday lives and our bustling city, we must prevent a resurgence of cases at all costs.
To further enhance the health care system in Yokohama, the city has added beds for positive cases, from 500 to 550, and secured 200 for patients with fever or symptoms that may be a COVID-19 infection.
Yokohama will cooperate with national monitoring, and conduct rigorous screening for variant virus strains.

Life-saving vaccinations will finally begin at long term care facilities starting the week of April 12.
Group vaccinations, also, are scheduled to begin starting the week of May 17.
Vaccine vouchers will be sent out in late April, starting with residents 80 years of age or older first. To help residents get vaccinated smoothly and safely, simulations to practice the process will be carried out at group vaccination venues in all 18 wards, and the city will devote all its efforts in preparations.

Businesses have faced new hardships due to the request to shorten hours being in place for so long.
Through financing schemes, lump payments to shopping districts and small businesses, and subsidies for implementing preventive measures, Yokohama has provided support to 50,000+ businesses.
The city will coordinate with local support agencies and continue to do its utmost to support those facing difficulty during this pandemic.

We ask residents to remain vigilant and continue to observe basic measures to prevent infection.
Refrain from nonessential and non-urgent outings, especially after 9 p.m.
Please eat together with as few people as possible, refrain from travel or events with high infection risk, and enjoy cherry blossoms without parties.
Business owners, we ask for cooperation with 9 p.m. restaurant closure, event rules, 70% in-office staff reduction, and other guidelines.

Yesterday, the budget for fiscal 2021 was approved.
Yokohama will devote all efforts to taking the city another leap forward, further developing current initiatives, and prioritizing strengthening preventive measures and achieving economic revitalization.
Thank you.