NIG Measures for the Novel Coronavirus Infectious Disease (on April 21st)
 |
The spread of the Novel Coronavirus infection shows no signs of stopping in Japan and in the world, and we are literary in the middle of the pandemic phase.
Several residents have been detected to be infected in the east of Shizuoka Prefecture, where NIG is located, so it is essential for us to take measures for preventing the spread of infection, assuming that an infected person or a close contact person could be discovered here.
On April 16, the central government of Japan expanded the target area of the emergency declaration (based on the amended “Act on Special Measures for Pandemic Influenza and New Infectious Diseases Preparedness and Response”) to cover the entire Japan. It is now requested to refrain from going outside for non-essential reasons in order to thoroughly reduce opportunities for human contact.
In view of the location of NIG, which adjoins the metropolitan area, we hereby strengthen the measures to prevent further spread of infection, and take following actions with a goal of protecting the health and safety of local residents, our students, faculty and staff, and bringing the coronavirus spread to a halt as soon as possible.
Please note that these measures are subject to change in accordance with the situation of the spread of infection.
【1】Work arrangements
Work from home except when unavoidable due to the necessity of the job. Only the minimum number of laboratory personnel necessary for the continuation of ongoing experiments, research and projects should enter the laboratory for research purposes.
As a general rule, employees who commute to work from Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa, the areas covered by the initial declaration of a state of emergency (on April 7) are prohibited from commuting to work.
【2】Business trip, outside work
In principle, it is prohibited to make business trips or to work outside the office.
【3】Education
Only online classes will be offered. We will make sure that students will be able to complete the degree on the scheduled timing.
Club activities are not allowed. The use of tennis courts and other welfare facilities is also prohibited.
【4】Treatment of visitors
All visitors are prohibited. We ask for our suppliers’ cooperation in wearing masks, disinfecting hands with alcohol disinfectant, and refraining from accessing the facilities (i.e. research buildings) other than the designated place.
We would appreciate your understanding and cooperation in an effort to prevent further spread of the COVID-19. Please act with a sense of crisis for protecting yourself, your beloved family and friends from the risk of infection.
Best regards,
Fumio Hanaoka
Director-General (Head of the Department of Genetics)
National Institute of Genetics
April 21, 2020
Websites for reference
▶︎Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “Information on the Novel Coronavirus Disease”
▶︎【Ministry of Foreign Affairs ”Overseas Travel Safety Information”
