Okinawa asks that companies “practice self-restraint” and refrain from parties for new and departing employees, and limit attendance and time for tomb-sweeping festivals

Okinawa asks that companies “practice self-restraint” and refrain from parties for new and departing employees, and limit attendance and time for tomb-sweeping festivals


March 30, 2020 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

Okinawa Prefecture announced a special emergency policy March 29 to help contain the spread of COVID-19, asking for strict observance of pandemic prevention measures for seasonal events starting in April such as the tomb-sweeping festival (shimi) and sports camps.

The prefecture has also asked the hosts of events such as new student and new employee ceremonies to look into ways to reduce the scope of the events, such as timed delays, spaced-out seating, or hosting the event online. They are encouraging events to require participants wear masks, be provided hand sanitizer, and for the venue to be well ventilated, and provide a way for those who are showing symptoms to participate online.

They area also demanding that companies and schools exercise self-restraint and refrain from common spring events such as parties for departing and new employees, welcome parties for new students, and other events that involve eating and drinking. They have also asked universities to warn their students about social gatherings.

They are also asking that tomb-sweeping festivals be limited to families that live together, and to keep attendance small and limit the time spent at the grave. Governor Denny Tamaki appealed to his constituents, “Getting a chance to meet relatives and close ones, light incense for your ancestors, and share a meal in front of their grave is an important annual event, but it is important to take measures to prevent the spread of disease, such as only participating with immediate family, and limiting the amount of people and length of time as much as possible.”

Also, with Olympians set to arrive on the island for training in preparation for the Olympics, as well other sports’ training camps where the athletes will be staying on the island, the prefecture is requiring a negative PCR and antigen test within 72 hours of arriving in the prefecture.

They are also requiring any event hosted in Okinawa to be limited to 5,000 attendees, and that the event follow all prefectural guidelines.

(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)

 

Go to Japanese 

 


　


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