Okinawa Medical Association “strongly requests” people from outside prefecture to refrain from returning to archipelago for tomb sweeping festival
Okinawa Medical Association vice-chairman Testuya Miyazato speaking at a press conference April 2 at the Okinawa Prefectural Office’s Press Club
April 2, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo
Due to the continued spread of COVID-19, the Okinawa Medical Association (Tetsuyoshi Asato, committee chair) announced April 2 that, with the opening of the tomb sweeping festival (shimi) season taking place this weekend, they are asking people to refrain from returning home from outside the prefecture, and to keep gatherings small.
At a press conference held at the press club in the Okinawa Prefectural Office, association vice-chair Testuya Miyazato asked for understanding from Okinawans, saying that the continued flow of people into the prefecture increased the danger brought by the disease, imploring, “Observing culture is important.
We are not saying that we are completely closing off entry, however we strongly ask that special caution be exercised.”
They are especially requesting that (1) those who reside in Tokyo and Osaka not return to Okinawa to participate, (2) to choose a representative member for grave cleaning to keep gathering small, and (3) to definitely not allow those with signs off illness such as a fever to participate.
Since shimi is an event that takes place outside the home, the large number of people who gather at a specific time to talk and share a meal increase the risk of infection.
A rapid increase in patients could lead to an inability to maintain adequate healthcare services, and the association’s announcement comes as a result of numerous healthcare facilities asking people to refrain from participating.
Toru Itokazu, Okinawa Prefecture’s general director of health and hygiene said, “We agree with the serious dangers identified by healthcare facilities. We hope that the people of Okinawa will understand and act accordingly.”
(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)
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