Message from the Mayor about COVID-19 (2020.11.13)

While the number of new COVID-19 cases in Yokohama had flattened since late September, the start of November has seen a rapid surge. Last week (November 6 to 12), the number new cases spiked to 383, or 1.5 times the number from the previous week, and the city is on high alert.

Currently, of the 265 people who are hospitalized, 219 present mild or no symptoms, comprising 83% of the total, and 13 are experiencing severe symptoms, or 5%. Also, 81 beds are occupied of the 500 secured for patients with severe or moderate symptoms, an occupancy rate of 16%. We will continue to ensure robust measures are in place to handle any future surges of infections.

The Yokohama Active Epidemiological Investigation Team (Y-AEIT) continues to actively conduct early on-site testing to present the spread of infections. They have been deployed over 200 times so far, and have administered PCR tests to over 8,600 people, including those who were not suspected of having been in contact with a person testing positive.

To ensure preventive measures against infection are in place and to achieve a revitalized economy, an additional supplemental budget to enable further response is under review for December. The city will further expand the number of medical institutions that can perform PCR testing from the current 600 locations. Call centers and other locations will provide enhanced consultation services. The city will also further increase transport availability for residents returning from abroad and outpatients who have been in contact with infected patients, as well as for transport to and from medical facility accommodations, from the current 11 vehicles.

In preparation for an increase in patients experiencing fever during the winter season of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city will continue to work with the national and prefectural governments as well as medical institutions to protect the lives and livelihoods of our residents.

We once again call on all residents:
If the number of cases continues to rise, there is concern about the impact on the health care system and public health services.
Please follow the below guidelines from the national government.

• Wear a mask at all times and avoid “3 C’s” situations where the risk of spreading infection is high.
• Make sure rooms are well ventilated.
• Refrain from gathering in large groups and speaking loudly, and please keep meetings short and conversation as quiet as possible.

In addition, we ask that businesses continue to refer to industry-specific guidelines and ensure that measures to prevent the spread of infection are rigorously implemented.

The actions each of us take will protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our community. Help our city overcome this challenging time together.