To Temple University, Japan Campus Students:

I wanted to bring you up to date on COVID-19, the coronavirus that has continued to spread in Japan and around the world. As you might be aware, over the weekend both the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Level 2 alert and the United States Department of State raised the advisory level to a Level 2 for Japan. In addition to practicing good health measures, the alert means that:

  • Japan is experiencing sustained community transmission of respiratory illness (COVID-19) caused by the novel coronavirus ,
  • the virus can spread from person to person,
  • older adults and those with chronic medical conditions should consider postponing nonessential travel, and
  • travelers should avoid contact with sick people and clean their hands often by washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%–95% alcohol.

I also want to remind you of the information that will help to keep you healthy:

  • Practice good hygiene and cough etiquette. Wash your hands and use alcohol-based hand rubs or wipes after having been in public places, on public transportation, or coming into contact with contaminated objects and surfaces. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve. Gargle with a disinfectant mouthwash. If you are exhibiting symptoms, use a mask. Clean the surfaces that you frequently touch, such as door handles, keyboards, smartphones, etc. Follow the guidelines posted by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare Japanese 
  • If you experience symptoms (common cold symptoms or fever higher than 37.5 degrees Celsius for at least four days, exhaustion or difficulty breathing, etc.), please contact the Tokyo health consultation center (details here) to determine an appropriate clinic or hospital to visit.
  • The U.S. CDC recommends as a general guideline that those who experience symptoms stay at home until they are free of fever, signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants).
  • If you have any of these symptoms, please call the consultation center before visiting a doctor or hospital; the center will then recommend medical institutions you should visit. Please only visit medical centers referred to by the medical consultant.

Please also check the TUJ website for updates regarding the coronavirus. If any emergency measures need to be taken, they will be announced on the website

Sincerely,
Bruce Stronach