Notice on Required Anti-Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Measures (9th official communication)

Date: May 6, 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 (9th official communication)

 Following Kyoto Prefecture’s emergency request to universities for suspension of their activities (restriction on the use of facilities), Kyoto Institute of Technology announced on April 17 that the campus will be closed until May 6 and, in principle, only the minimum operations will be carried out. Kyoto Prefecture has maintained the request for university activities suspension even after May 6 and, accordingly, our current measures (window-service suspension, working from home etc.) will continue until May 31. However, some changes will be made to the handling of mail delivery, goods’ delivery inspections, work-related out-of-pocket expenses, etc. For details, please refer to the following Response to Kyoto Prefecture’s state of emergency measures.
 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.

Response to Kyoto Prefecture’s state of emergency measures
Response to Kyoto Prefecture’s state of emergency measures (from April 18 to May 31) (updated on May 6)
Educational and research activities following the university closure (2nd communication)

1.Basic policies(5th communication: Notice of February 27;7th communication: March 17; 8th communication: Updated on April 8)

?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.
?Persons returning to or entering Japan from abroad, regardless of country or region,
 are strongly requested to remain at home for two weeks.
?Travelling overseas for business is not allowed, regardless of country or region.
?Refrain from travelling even within Japan unless absolutely necessary.

◎Main measures based on the basic policies

?All classes of the first semester will be conducted online (distance learning) (4/17 notification)
?Students’ laboratory activities will, in principle, be prohibited until June 30 (updated on 4/20)
?All extracurricular activities will be prohibited until the beginning of the first (spring) semester (3/25 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