The pandemic in Okinawa is “suitable for a lockdown,” with the government, medical and business community making an emergency declaration calling for people to self-isolate for two weeks

The pandemic in Okinawa is “suitable for a lockdown,” with the government, medical and business community making an emergency declaration calling for people to self-isolate for two weeks

Governor Denny Tamaki (center) delivering a joint emergency declaration with representatives from Okinawa’s municipalities, the business community, and medical workers – August 1, 7:16 p.m. at the Okinawa Prefectural Office


August 2, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki, who is grappling with the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Okinawa, held a meeting at the Okinawa Prefectural Office August 1 with representatives from the medical and business communities as well as Okinawa’s municipalities, after which they announced a join emergency declaration calling for people to self-isolate for the next two weeks, until August 15.

This is the first time a joint message has been issued by representatives from these four groups. With the spread of the disease in Okinawa, “at a level that would be suitable for a lockdown in any other country,” and explained the severe danger of the situation which could result in the collapse of Okinawa’s healthcare system.

Okinawa confirmed 367 new cases of COVID-19 on August 1. This is the sixth-straight day that new cases were over 300, and as of 1:00 p.m. the number of people receiving medical care, including both those in the hospital and people receiving care at home, was 2,757. The 2,397 cases in the past week are the most ever in Okinawa.

The joint emergency declaration focused on three points: 1. Do not gather either outside or in homes, and stay at home; 2. Do not travel to other prefectures or neighboring islands, even to visit home; 3. Be proactive in getting vaccinated.

After the meeting, Governor Tamaki said, “As expected, containing the flow of people, and limiting contact between people is important. We want people to practice restraint and engage in a self-lockdown.”

Okinawa Medical Association president Tetsuyoshi Asato reported that the increase of COVID-19 patients has disrupted medical facilities, and due to the limited availability of hospital beds, “People who need to go to the hospital cannot, and I am of utmost concern for those who fall into critical condition.” He explained the necessity for the elderly as well as people age 40-65 to get vaccinated quickly.

The Okinawa Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Denichiro Ishimine added to the emergency declaration, touching on the particularly severe economic impact this will have on the food and hospitality industry, saying, “Understand that controlling the spread of disease is the best economic policy, and let’s knock this out over the next two weeks.”

The meeting was private except for the opening, and they discussed making an appeal to people who have already been vaccinated as well. After the meeting, Governor Tamaki commented, “People who have received both doses of the vaccines have found a degree of freedom in their lives. With this kind of incentive, we will work with the business community on tackling this issue.”

 

(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)

 

Go to Japanese


　


Previous Article:
Next Article:

[Similar Articles]