Long, but please read.

At this point people will likely have heard that the number of H1N1A (swine flu) cases confirmed in Japan has reached 93 (morning of May 18) and thus all stations are go for the active implementation of preventative measures. Please keep in mind that, while a concern, this flu travels a course very similar to the common cold and that initial fatalities were grossly over-reported. Please check your embassy websites for sensible and relevant information.

That said, major Japanese cities including Kobe and Osaka are closing all public schools and non-government institutions for at least one week. As yet, Hokkaido as NO PLAN to enforce this measure. Indeed, it is most important that people stay calm, clear-headed and appropriately prepared without being alarmed by the way that the situation may be presented in the media.

Other prefectures are requesting that citizens take care with the following key points.
*Please note that the following is absolutely NOT a directive by the Hokkaido government, more of a ‘things you may want to consider’ from someone who has an eye on what is happening and what has been asked elsewhere.

1.    Make personal hygiene a priority (just as you would in any cold-and-flu season).

  • Wash your hands, gargle, and effectively cover your coughs and sneezes.

Effectively covering coughs and sneezes extends to:

  1. Using a handkerchief/tissue whenever you sneeze or cough, taking care to cover both nose and mouth *If you have no handkerchief, use your forearm or sleeve to contain the ‘spray’
  2. Dispose of used tissues and wash hands immediately.
  • Try to limit the time you spend in crowded areas;
  • It is Japanese custom and ‘courtesy’ to wear a facemask to protect those around you (and yourself) from spread of infection. Though there is much information that questions the effectiveness of this measure, coworkers may expect you (or feel more comfortable if you were) to follow this trend;

2.    Be prepared for business closure/to be asked to stay home from school.
In the unlikely event that your municipality closes schools and businesses, you will want to have enough food stocked and prepared in your home. ‘Businesses’ can include combinis, so try to make sure you have a sensible supply of non-perishables in your home. Think grains, pastas, noodles, canned goods and cup-ramen. Some have recommended that two weeks of food is an appropriate store to have on hand.
*This is less of an ‘Ack! It’s going to get us!’ and more of a, ‘Being very careful’ measure – but as Kobe and Osaka citizens are finding out, can be very troublesome…so, it may be an idea to be prepared simply in order that you don’t wind up digging through your garbage scraps if the local Lawson is shut down for a week.

3.    Keep informed
Where possible, keep up-to-date with municipal/prefectural announcements and news bulletins. I will inform all JETs of any developments via direct email. If by chance you are a JET who does not receive direct emails from me (I have sent at least three over the last two weeks) please email me at alford.michelle@pref.hokkaido.lg.jp

4.    In case you develop symptoms
Call the hospital/your supervisor rather than visiting in person.

While this seems like rather a lot of fuss and bother for a cold, the purpose of this email is to give you an idea of what may be expected of you rather to try and alarm anybody. Remember, take care as you would at the change of any season, and keep your mucus to yourself.

Chelle