COVID-19 Message from Mayor (July 21, 2022) 「新型コロナウイルス感染症～市長メッセージ～(令和4年7月21日）」

From Mayor to Citizens of Toyokawa

I am grateful to have understanding and cooperation from citizens for preventive measures to COVID-19.

On July 5, the governor of Aichi prefecture expressed his awareness of 7th infectious wave’s arrival with BA.5, derived type of variant Omicron replacing the conventional variant as happening nationwide.

Toyokawa city also has seen a rapid increase of the infected since the beginning of July, and number of the newly infected was “269” which is the largest at this point. This is far more than 202 infected which was confirmed on February 16 at the highest point of 6th infectious wave. If the infectious spread goes on this way, it is foreseen that available beds for COVID-19 in Toyokawa City Hospital will be short and it will also negatively affect the regular services of medical institutions in the city.

Observing tendency of the newly infected, the younger generation’s infection is obvious as was in times of 6th infectious wave, and it is foreseen that the elderly gradually may get infected through the infection of family members. As repeatedly announced, every citizen is asked to continue basic preventive measures thoroughly and refrain from going out etc. in case of physical abnormality such as fever and cough although we will be in the season of summer holidays and Obon holidays etc. which everyone is looking forward to.

Next, a request for taking vaccination. Currently, rate of taking 3rd vaccination has been confirmed as follows in Toyokawa city. 5-11 year old (15 ％), 12-19 year old (23％), 20-30 year old (43％) which is lower compared to that of persons aged 65 and older (87％). Younger generations are strongly asked to consider taking 3rd vaccination immediately. Furthermore, persons aged 60 and older and those who have underlying disease are asked to take 4th vaccination immediately if it is available.

We will continue to strengthen coordination with relevant organizations such as city’s medical association by sharing information to reduce the influence of 7th infectious wave as much as possible and protect citizen’s health with utmost effort. Your continuous cooperation is sincerely asked.

July 21, 2022

Mayor of Toyokawa

TAKEMOTO Yukio