COVID-19 preventive measures (for individual residents)

Take special care in the “five situations” that increase the risk of infection. (1 Social gatherings where alcohol is consumed; 2 Long meals in large groups; 3 Conversation without masks; 4 Living together in a confined space; 5 When switching locations)

Washing hands is a basic measure to prevent against infectious disease, including COVID-19.
Wash your hands with soap frequently, such as when you return home, before and after preparing food, as well as before eating.

Correct way to wash your hands
1. After wetting your hands under running water, apply soap, and rub your palms together well.
2. Rub the back of your hands.
3. Rub your fingertips and nails on your palm.
4. Wash between your fingers.
5. Wash your thumbs by making a circle with your palm and fingers to wrap around your thumb, and making a twisting motion.
6. Wash your wrists.
7. After cleaning with soap, thoroughly rinse your hands, then wipe them dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
If you cannot wash your hands, disinfect your hands and fingers with rubbing alcohol.

Droplets (and the spray from sneezes) can be prevented by covering your nose and mouth.
(While it does not completely stop the spread of airborne droplets, it is shown to be effective at greatly reducing it. If you are feeling unwell, such as frequently coughing or sneezing or if you have a fever, refrain from leaving your home.

Correct way to wear a mask
1. Ensure both your mouth and nose are covered.
2. Loop the elastic string around your ears.
3. Leave no gaps and make sure the area around your nose is covered.
When removing your mask, do not touch the part covering your face. Instead, grasp the elastic string to remove it.
Put disposable masks in the trash immediately after removing them and wash your hands.
Viruses may be contained in the airborne droplets caused by sneezes or coughs. Practice good “coughing manners” to protect those around you from infection.

What are “coughing manners”?
Cover your nose and mouth with a mask, tissue, handkerchief when you sneeze or cough, or use your sleeve or the inside of your elbow if one happens suddenly. Don’t use your hand to cover coughs or sneezing, and don’t sneeze or cough without shielding your nose and mouth.

Ventilating rooms allows indoor air to travel outside and vice versa, which can carry away air droplets that may contain viruses or lower the concentration.
Droplets can remain airborne for a long time in closed rooms, so be sure to open windows and ventilate rooms often.

When opening windows
1. In rooms with 2 or more windows, open windows on the diagonal opposite side if possible.
2. If there is only 1 window, create an airflow by opening the door to the room and using an electric fan or other device facing the window.
3. If there are no windows, open the door to the room and place an electric fan or other device to create an airflow to the outside of the room.
Also, using the vent fan in the kitchen (the ventilator that moves the most air in your home) is also effective for creating ventilation.
Note about ventilating during the winter
1. In the morning or when returning home: when heating the room using an air conditioner or other device, open a window to ventilate the room while keeping it on.
2. About when to ventilate: if you feel especially cold, open a window for up to five minutes to ventilate two times every one hour.
Compared to summer, there is a big difference between the indoor and outdoor temperature, so opening the window allows air to flow in and out easily. Also, because the wind tends to be stronger in the winter, even a short length of time is enough to ventilate the needed amount of air.

Avoid situations with the “three C’s” to help prevent a “cluster” of outbreaks.

What are the three C’s?
1. Closed spaces with poor ventilation
2. Crowded places where many people in one place.
3. Close-contact settings, like speaking or conversations in close proximity to others.
How to avoid the three C’s
1. Regularly ventilate rooms to avoid creating closed spaces (Example: in rooms with windows, fully open the windows more than two times every one hour and allow the room to ventilate)
2. Maintain distance from others to avoid creating a crowded place (keep over two arms’ breadths away from others, or a little over two meters)
3. Refrain from conversation or making sounds while in close-contact settings (Example: refrain from talking inside the elevator)

Even when the three C’s do not overlap, try to reduce risk and achieve “zero C’s” by avoiding all three situations
Be careful of encountering crowded places and close-contact settings when outside as well. Keep a distance from crowds and avoid raising your voice.
Also refrain from shaking hands, hugging (embracing), and high-fives.

Living together in a limited space increases the risk of infection, because the air in the enclosed space is shared for a long time.
Take steps such as wearing a mask indoors and maintaining distance from others, and make sure common areas are kept clean.

１．Ventilate common areas and other rooms regularly.
２．Disinfect items or things touched by multiple people.
〇Disinfect door handles, doorknobs, bed railings, remote controls, and other objects touched by multiple people with a diluted solution of household chlorine bleach, then wipe clean with a damp cloth or towel.
〇Clean toilets and restroom sink areas with regular household cleaning agents, and disinfect them with household disinfectants frequently. (Towels and clothing may be washed normally, and do not need to be washed separately.)
３．Do not share items with others that have not been washed first.
Be sure not to share plates and bowls, cups, and especially towels in bathrooms, washrooms, and kitchens.

Refrain from participating in events or group dining as much as possible where the three C’s may be encountered or where basic preventive measures are not in place.
The risk of infection rises especially at parties or events where many people gather and speak loudly or raise their voices.

１．At events or group dining, take steps to prevent infection, such as keeping a distance of 1-2 meters from others, disinfecting your hands and fingers, wearing a mask (removing the mask only to eat or drink and putting it back on to talk), and refraining from having conversations in a loud voice.
２．As much as possible, refrain from drinking large amounts or drinking at night in restaurants or on the streets, as well as participating in drinking events.
３．Depending on the situation, consider new ways to have fun, such as spending time with family at home or joining online events.