Information about 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection

Future approach for countermeasures against the Novel Coronavirus infection (May 27th, 2020)（PDF：858KB）

To all prefectural residents and visitors

There is no need for elevated concern, so please remain calm and abide by the following points:

Wash your hands thoroughly
Please observe coughing etiquette
Avoid large crowds（PDF：1,209KB）

These should be carried out alongside any other measures you would normally take to protect yourself against influenza.

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection

With the ongoing coronavirus infection, it’s important to understand what the symptoms are and how to best protect yourself and limit the spread of infection.

The main symptoms are fever, coughing and general fatigue. There are cases where it can lead to pneumonia and, ultimately, death.
Infection occurs most commonly in close proximity to other people, avoiding the “three Cs” is a simple way to remember this. The three Cs are closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings, do your best to avoid these conditions.

Key points for washing your hands

After washing your hands, dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel or with disposable paper towels. When using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, thoroughly rub it into your hands until dry. (If you leave your hands wet, the virus has a chance of surviving and sticking to your hands.)
When your hands have touched various surfaces, there is a chance that germs could be present. Before washing your hands, do not touch your eyes, nose, mouth and other parts of you face as it increases the risk of infection.

About coughing etiquette

Coughing etiquette is the act of using a mask, tissue, handkerchief, one’s sleeve, or the nook of one’s arm to cover your mouth and or nose when coughing or sneezing, in order to avoid possibly passing on infections to other people.
When meeting with people face to face and you’re coming into close contact (a distance of approximately 2 meters, or the length of space for both people to reach out their arms) for set periods of time, and environments where you will be mixing with large numbers of people, there is a high risk of infection. To protect yourself in situations where it’s easy to spread infections, you should consistently wash your hands and follow coughing etiquette.
Wear the mask correctly (Firmly covering up to and including your nose)
Be sure to wear a mask when going to crowded places, when near people who are sneezing or coughing, or when you yourself have been coughing or sneezing.
When wearing a mask, refrain from touching it when possible.

These measures aren’t just to prevent the spread of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection, but also to prevent the spread of influenza and the common cold. Please follow the fundamentals of infection control measures.

Further information for the infection can be found at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's webpage listed below:
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/newpage_00032.html

Dedicated consultation service for coronavirus infections

As of March 10th (Tuesday) from 9am, a simultaneous interpretation telephone service has been made available to all international residents and tourists in Kyoto Prefecture.

Operating hours: 24/7 support

Telephone number: 075-414-4726

＜Supported languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese＞

※Vietnamese support is only available from 8:00 - 22:00

To those who exhibit the following symptoms, do not go directly to a medical facility and instead please contact the dedicated consultation service first.

The presence of one or more symptoms such as difficulty breathing (labored breathing), extreme fatigue (physical weariness), a high fever, etc.
Those who are prone to serious illness, such as those with underlying conditions or the elderly, who experience relatively mild flu-like symptoms such as a fever or a cough.
For those other than the above mentioned, when relatively mild flu-like symptoms, such as a fever or cough, persist for an extended period of time.

Caution: These guidelines are for the residents of the prefecture for when to get a medical consultation/examination. As always, doctors will make individual decisions with regards to testing.

As a result of the consultation, if it is deemed necessary then you will be informed of a time to see a doctor and the method of your visit (method of transport and entering into a medical facility).

Furthermore, this consultation service is also accepting general inquiries regarding the novel coronavirus.

Support systems for International Residents and tourists

For living support for international residents, please contact the Kyoto Prefecture International Residents General Consultation Service：https://www.kpic.or.jp/english/information/livingconsultation.html

For the support systems that are available to working international residents, please contact the International Residents Labour Advice Dial service：

For Foreigners Working in Companies https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/koyou_roudou/koyou/jigyounushi/page11_00003.html

Telephone Consultation Service for Foreign Workers https://www.checkroudou.mhlw.go.jp/soudan/foreigner_eng.html

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) operates a visitor hotline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.Please feel free to call for tourist information or assistance in case of accidents or emergencies including novel coronavirus. Support is available in English, Chinese,and Korean,please contact them using the following number：050-3816-2787