NIG Measures for the Novel Coronavirus Infectious Disease (on May 24th)
The novel coronavirus situation remains serious. The number of new infections is furthermore on the rise nationwide, and the more infectious SARS-CoV-2 mutants are replacing the original virus strain. As of May 24th, the state of emergency and the semi-emergency coronavirus spread prevention measures have been implemented in many prefectures.
In Shizuoka Prefecture, the prefecture’s current alert level is 5 (Require special caution) (Level 6 is the highest level), and the infection situation stays unpredictable.
Under these circumstances, we maintain the current NIG level of activity restrictions and add the following “special notes”. In order to curb the spread of mutants, we will make efforts in implementing the measures to avoid the risk of being infected.
(Special Notes)
[Being more mindful about wearing a mask]
Along with hand sanitizing, wearing a mask is essential as basic infection prevention measures. In the coming season, we will continuously remind ourselves to wear a mask being aware of heat stroke.
The latest research indicates that the more infectious mutants can be transmitted not only through “droplet infection” (caused by airborne droplets) but also through “aerial infection” (caused by virus particles in the air). We should thus be stricter on preventive measures for infection spread, by being more mindful about wearing a mask, and avoiding even one out of the three conditions of “poor ventilation” “intensive crowds” and “close social distance”.
[Ventilation]
Since adequate ventilation is very important infection prevention measures, we will be sure to provide frequent ventilation. For experimental rooms which cannot be ventilated, air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters will be used. The keys to prevent infection with the novel coronavirus are how we can reduce the possibility of coming closer to “invisible infected people*” and how we can avoid transmitting (or being transmitted with) the virus.
* invisible infected people: asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients who are not aware that they are infected.
NIG’s Various Prevention Measures
[1] Work arrangements
The operation is carried out by giving the utmost consideration to the prevention of the spread of infection. Working from home is strongly recommended to restrain occurrence of a cluster at NIG. As a general rule, commuters using public transportation for 30 minutes and longer and commuters from the municipalities where the spread of infection is remarkably observed (due to occurrence of cluster infection, and so on) should work from home.
When it is necessary to use public transportation, we make sure that infection control measures (including air ventilation) are appropriately taken by public transportation companies. If they fail to take sufficient measures, we do not risk taking that train (bus).
[2] Education
We prioritize the health of students, faculty and staff, and the prevention of infection to others. Individual circumstances of each student should be considered as much as possible.
Lectures should be online as a general rule, but face-to-face classes can be conducted if need arises. When conducting face-to-face lectures, we conform to the guidelines in “[3] Conference”. Research guidance and laboratory meetings should be conducted online as much as possible.
The use of on-site welfare facilities is permitted. We make sure to take precautions against infection when using them.
[3] Conference
Meetings and conferences should be online as a general rule. When having face-to-face meetings through unavoidable circumstances, we will avoid even one out of the three conditions of “poor ventilation” “intensive crowds” and “close social distance”.
[4] Business trip, outside work
As a general rule, business trips and out-of-office work are prohibited. If it is necessary to make a business trip or to engage in out-of-office work through unavoidable circumstances, we will reduce opportunities for human contact by such way of working from home. As a general rule, dining together is not permitted while on a business trip.
[5] Treatment of visitors
As a general rule, visitors are prohibited. If it is necessary to accept visitors, we ask the visitors (excluding brief time visitors such as delivery vendors) to fill in and submit the Health Observation Form for the period preceding their visit to NIG and during their visit. We also ask for their cooperation in wearing masks and sanitizing hands when entering our facilities.
Besides, the collaborative research and research meetings with visitors from outside are basically suspended. When we conduct them out of necessity, we ask visitors to take the above-mentioned precautions against the spread of infection.
[Measures for preventing infection]
The virus enters our body through the mouth, nose or eyes including by way of our hands (contagious infection). It is meaningful that we practice frequent handwashing on the assumption that the virus could be present anywhere. The latest research indicates that the “aerial infection” is another transmission pathway. We should thus be stricter on prevention measures for infection spread, by being more mindful about wearing a mask, and avoiding even one out of the three conditions of “poor ventilation” “intensive crowds” and “close social distance”. Frequent ventilation of the rooms is important to reduce the infectious risk.
This virus is characterized by the following features: infected individuals can spread the virus prior to showing symptoms, and many of the infected people are asymptomatic although contagious. In other words, it takes time before we realize that we are infected with the virus. In order to prevent the spread of infectious disease, we should keep the following in mind: “Do not spread the virus to others”, “Try not to be infected with the virus”, and “We may already have been infected with the virus”. It is important to take the infection control measures and to keep monitoring our health every day.
“Keys to prevent infection”
-To ventilate the room often (20 minutes in one hour) by opening door(s)/window(s) in the opposite sides of the room or those on the diagonal line
-To keep at least two-meter distance from other people
-To avoid non-essential outings wherever possible
-To refrain as much as possible from eating with somebody other than your family
Practicing these measures will help prevent the spread of infection.
Best regards,
Fumio Hanaoka
Director-General (Head of the Department of Genetics)
National Institute of Genetics
May 24, 2021
Websites for reference
▶︎Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)”
