Free vaccination against the new coronavirus is available until March 31, 2024. People at high risk of serious illness who have not yet been vaccinated should proactively consider vaccination.

For more information on vaccination, see the information provided by the municipality. The method of distributing vaccination coupons differs from city to city, so you will need to contact each city or municipality for more information.

See also here for more information (MieInfo article on vaccines)

Click here for a leaflet (produced by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare) on vaccinations from September 20th.

Consultation services

For consultations in several languages, call MieCo (Consultation Center for Foreign Residents in Mie)

Telephone number: 080-3300-8077

Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except Saturdays, Sundays, commemorative days and New Year’s and New Year’s holidays)

Languages available are English, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali, Indonesian, Thai and Japanese.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

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Basic infection preventive measures against coronavirus are also effective against influenza. Take basic infection preventive measures to reduce your risk of becoming infected.

Wear a mask

Wear a mask when visiting a medical institution, or when visiting a medical institution or elderly care facility where many elderly people and other people at high risk of becoming seriously ill are hospitalized or live.

When visiting crowded places, it is also effective to wear a mask to protect yourself from illness.

Hand washing and ventilation

Effective as a basic infection preventivemeasure.

Maintain a safe distance from other people

Avoiding poorly ventilated areas, crowded places with large numbers of people, and having conversations in close proximity is an effective infection control measure (if this cannot be avoided, wear a mask).

About vaccines

Influenza vaccination has the effect of suppressing the onset of illness to a certain extent and preventing serious illness. It is considered particularly effective for people who are more likely to become seriously ill if they contract the disease, such as the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions. Furthermore, in principle, for people aged 13 and over, only one dose of vaccination will be carried out.

The post Influenza cases is on the rise appeared first on Mie Info.

There are many infectious diseases that can be transmitted by droplets from coughs and sneezes, including influenza and coronavirus. Cough etiquette is the practice of covering your mouth and nose with a mask, tissue, handkerchief, or sleeve when coughing or sneezing to avoid infecting others with these diseases. It’s especially important to practice this on trains, at work, at school, and in other places where people gather.

Three correct coughing etiqutte

1. Wear a mask
2. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or pocket tissue
3. Cover your mouth with the inside of your jacket or sleeve

If you cough or sneeze into your hands, the virus can stick to door handles and other objects around you that you touch with your hands. There is a possibility of transmitting the disease to other people through doorknobs.

When you cough or sneeze, droplets can fly up to 2 meters. This can spread the disease to others, so cover your mouth and nose with a mask, scarf, or other items.

Clique aqui to see the pamphlete on coughing etiquette

The post Practice “Coughing Etiquette” appeared first on Mie Info.

[System valid from October 1, 2023 until March 31, 2024]

Public expense subsidy (when hospitalized for treatment for the new coronavirus)

The following items (1) and (2) are covered by public funds.

(1) Part of the medical costs of hospitalization due to coronavirus infection.

(2) Part of drug costs when the following high-cost drugs are prescribed for treatment.

• Oral medicines “Lagebrio”, “Paxlovid” and “Xocova”.
• Intravenous medications ” Vecluri “.
• Neutralizing antibody medications “Zebudi”, “Lonaprieve” and “Evusheld”.

Details of the subsidy to cover part of the costs of medicines

In principle, public funds subsidize so that the maximum amount to be paid by the patient is the treatment costs minus 10,000 yen in the high-cost healthcare system.

* Click here for the maximum payment amount after reduction by public funds.

Click here for information about the subsidy when receiving outpatient treatment for coronavirus treatment.

The post Subsidy for medical expenses for treatment of the new coronavirus (when hospitalized) appeared first on Mie Info.

[System valid from October 1, 2023 until March 31, 2024]

Public expense subsidy (when receiving outpatient coronavirus treatment)

Part of the costs of the following high-cost medicines prescribed for the treatment of coronavirus infection will be covered by public funds.

• Oral medicines “Lagebrio”, “Paxlovid” and “Xocova”.
• Intravenous medications ” Vecluri “.
• Neutralizing antibody medications “Zebudi”, “Lonaprieve” and “Evusheld”.

* Other medical fees, prescription fees, medication fees and other procedure fees are not covered by public spending.

Details of the subsidy to cover part of the costs of medicines

The amount that must be paid by the patient is determined according to the rate for medical expenses.

The amount is 9,000 yen (30%), 6,000 yen (20%), and 3,000 yen (10%).

Public funds are used so that the above values ​​do not change.

Click here for information about public financing for hospitalization for coronavirus treatment.

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From September 20, 2023 onwards, all people aged 6 months and older will be eligible for monovalent vaccination against the Omicron (XBB.1.5) strain of the new coronavirus.

Who is eligible for vaccination

• All people aged 5 years and over who have completed their first dose (first and second vaccine)
• All people aged between 6 months and 4 years who have completed their first vaccination (first, second and third vaccines)
• People who have not yet had their first vaccine

For more information, see the information provided by the city hall

The method of distributing vaccination coupons differs from city to city, so you will need to contact each city hall for more information.

Be careful with scams!

Vaccination is free (Vaccinations are free until March 31, 2024).

No personal information will be requested by phone or email.

Click here for a leaflet on vaccination after September 20th (prepared by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare).

Consultation Services

For inquiries in multiple languages, please call MieCo (Inquiry Center for Foreign Residents in Mie)

Telephone number: 080-3300-8077

Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm (except Saturdays, Sundays, commemorative days and New Year and New Year holidays)

Available languages ​​are English, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali, Indonesian, Thai and Japanese.

The post Coronavirus Vaccines after September 20, 2023 appeared first on Mie Info.

The Mie Coronavirus Vaccine Consultation Hotline for Foreign Residents (080-3123-9173) was closed on August 31, 2023.

After September 1, 2023, anyone wishing to make a coronavirus vaccine appointment should call MieCo.

MieCo phone number

080-3300-8077

MieCo opening hours

Monday to Friday (closed on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and from December 29th to January 3rd)

9am to 5pm

Languages ​​spoken at MieCo

English, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali, Indonesian, Thai and Japanese

The post The Mie Coronavirus Vaccine Consultation Hotline for Foreign Residents has been closed (ended on August 31, 2023) appeared first on Mie Info.

The spread of the coronavirus continues across the country. There are concerns about spread in Aichi, Gifu and Mie prefectures.

With the start of the summer holidays and the upcoming Obon Festival, which is a period where the number of contact with people are large, such as going back to hometowns, traveling and attending events has increased the spread of infections.

If the situation continues, there is a risk that the healthcare system will be overwhelmed. Also, the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk of getting serious illnesses if they become infected.

Governors urge you to take basic preventive measures to prevent yourself and your loved ones from becoming ill and to reduce the burden on the health care system.  Also consider proactively vaccinating yourself with the new coronavirus vaccine.

Basic infection preventive measures

• Regular ventilation
• Wash and disinfect hands frequently
• Wear a mask when visiting medical institutions and facilities for the elderly
• When encountering elderly people or people with underlying medical conditions, be aware of changes in their physical condition and wear a mask

Click here to view the joint message (in Japanese only) from the governors of Aichi, Gifu and Mie prefectures

The post Joint message from the governors of Aichi, Gifu and Mie Prefectures for the prevention of the  coronavirus appeared first on Mie Info.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1nIiAePTndDqM_7_olu9YqytvBC8UI90&ll=34.46188893280843%2C136.42998740000002&z=8

• This information was taken from the website of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Link: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000082537_00001.html
• Choose a government-approved “In Vitro Diagnostic Product” or “Category 1” test kit. Medicines classified as “research use” are not approved by the government.
• This map does not guarantee that test kits are in stock. Please contact us in advance to confirm availability as stock at each store varies.

Related Links

• If you feel anything unusual about your health
• When a child is infected
• When a family member is infected

If you want to consult in a foreign language, call MieCo (Mie Foreign Resident Consultation Center)

Phone number: 080-3300-8077

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Saturdays, Sundays, commemorative days and holidays at the end of the year and New Year).

Languages ​​available: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepalese, Indonesian, Thai and Japanese.

The post Coronavirus: Map of pharmacies/stores handling qualitative antigen test kits appeared first on Mie Info.

Herpangina is prevalent in Mie Prefecture, especially among children so take precautions by washing hands thoroughly and gargling.

What is herpangina?

Herpangina is a viral pharyngitis that is mostly prevalent among children aged 0 to 6 years old, from around May to the summer season.  It’s a typical summer cold.

Symptoms

Characterized by fever and a blistering rash on the oral mucosa.

Fever and sore throat.  Lesions appear in the oral cavity.

Fever may be accompanied by febrile seizures, but the prognosis in most cases is good.

Route of infection

Contact and transmission by droplets of the virus in the feces, coughs and sneezes of patients.

Treatment

Symptomatic treatment for fever and other symptoms.  Prevention is important as there is no effective vaccine.

Measures that can be taken at home

Viruses can be excreted in feces for a long time (2 to 4 weeks) after recovery.  Thorough hand washing and gargling are effective ways to prevent infection.  Avoid close contact with people with symptoms and do not share towels or other items.

The post Herpangina outbreak in children (June 2023) appeared first on Mie Info.

Help is available to make an appointment for the coronavirus vaccination.  People who want to be vaccinated should call the Coronavirus Vaccine Consultation Line for Foreign Residents of Mie.  It is also possible to make consultations and questions about the vaccine.  The consultation is free but there is a connection fee.

Coronavirus Vaccine Consultation Line for Foreign Residents of Mie” – Mie Gaikokujin Corona Vaccine Soudan Dial (みえ外国人コロナワクチン相談ダイアル)

TEL: 080-3123-9173

Opening hours

  From Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm.

Available languages

English, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepalese, Indonesian, Thai, Japanese

Click here to see the flyer

The post Information about the Coronavírus Vaccine Consultation Line appeared first on Mie Info.

In 2023, you will still be able to get vaccinated against the coronavirus for free..

Vaccination from May to August 2023

The following people who completed their first vaccination (1st and 2nd inoculation):

1. Seniors (65 years of age or older)
2. People with medical conditions (between 5 and 64 years old)
3. Health care worker, seniors facility workers, etc.

* Vaccination with the bivalent vaccine corresponding to the Omicron strain.

Vaccination from September to December 2023

All persons aged 5 years and over who completed their first vaccination (1st and 2nd inoculation).

*The vaccine to be used is being reviewed by the government.

People who have not yet taken their first vaccine (1st and 2nd inoculation)

First, receive the 1st and 2nd inoculations (conventional vaccine).  When this is completed, the bivalent vaccine compatible with the Omicron strain can be administered at least three months after the last vaccination.

Infants (6 months to 4 years)

Children 6 months to 4 years of age receive a total of three doses of the conventional vaccine to complete their first vaccination.

The Omicron strain-compatible vaccine for infants is not clinically approved in Japan and therefore cannot be given.

* Contact your local city hall for information about proof of vaccination, as each municipality has a different service.

If you want to consult in a foreign language, call MieCo (Mie Foreign Resident Consultation Center)

Phone number: 080-3123-9173

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and New Year’s and New Year’s holidays).

Languages ​​available: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali, Indonesian, Thai and Japanese.

The post Notice about the 2023 coronavirus vaccination appeared first on Mie Info.

For the person infected with the coronavirus

It is recommended that the child does not leave the house for 5 days after the onset of symptoms and for 24 hours after the symptoms subside, as the risk of infecting others is high. Until 10 days have passed, wear a mask and be careful not to spread the infection to others.

For caregivers and family members living in the same household

Pay attention to your own physical condition

• Take special care during the first five days, starting from day 0 of the onset of illness in the infected person. The disease can develop up to the 7th day.
• Avoid crowded places and wear a mask when going out. Avoid contact with people at high risk of worsening symptoms and be careful not to spread the disease to others.

Infection control measures that can be taken at home

1. Open windows regularly for ventilation

Frequently ventilate common areas and other rooms

2. Separate rooms whenever possible

Run the house with as few people as possible and try to keep contact time as short as possible.

*People with heart, lung or liver problems, diabetics, immunocompromised people, pregnant women, etc.  should avoid taking care of those infected with the virus.

3. Family members living with the infected person should wear a mask if possible.

Wear a mask when in contact with infected family members and when going outside.

4. Wash your hands frequently

The post Coronavirus: when a family member is infected appeared first on Mie Info.

For the person infected with the coronavirus

It is recommended that the child does not leave the house for 5 days after the onset of symptoms and for 24 hours after the symptoms subside, as the risk of infecting others is high. Until 10 days have passed, wear a mask and be careful not to spread the infection to others.

For caregivers and family members living in the same household

Pay attention to your own physical condition

• Take special care during the first five days, starting from day 0 of the onset of illness in the infected person. The disease can develop up to the 7th day.
• Avoid crowded places and wear a mask when going out.  Avoid contact with people at high risk of worsening symptoms and be careful not to spread the disease to others.

Guidelines for seeking medical advice

• Observe the patient’s mood, appetite, and breathing. If the person is in a good mood, has a good appetite and normal skin color, there is basically no need to worry.  If you have any concerns, consult your doctor.
• If you’re not sure whether or not to see a doctor, or if it’s late at night or a holiday, use the telephone consultation service.

Telephone consultation services in times of crisis

The post Coronavirus: when a child is infected appeared first on Mie Info.

What to do if you think you may have been infected with the coronavirus

Before going to a medical institution::

• Check your symptoms and your medications.
• Verify using a government-approved test kit.

If your test is positive

If the symptoms are mild, start treatment at home or elsewhere.

In case of a negative result

If symptoms are present, continue with the basic infection preventive measures such as wearing a mask and washing your hands.

*People at high risk of serious illness, such as the elderly, people with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women, etc., and people with severe symptoms who wish to receive medical attention, should contact a medical facility.

Contact a medical institution in advance when going for a medical examination

Please take necessary infection control measures when visiting medical institutions, pharmacies and facilities for the elderly.

The coronavirus is highly contagious, so wear a mask to protect people who are at high risk of it getting worse.

Thing to prepare when you feel unwell

• Novel coronavirus antigen qualitative test kit.

*Choose government-approved “in vitro diagnostic” (Taigai Shindan-yo Iryo-hin) or “category 1” tests.  “Research use” is not approved by the government.

• Antipyretic and analgesic drugs
• Contact details for telephone consultation

Consultation centers are open 24 hours a day, including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (in Japanese only)

Kuwana Public Health Center: 0594-24-3619

Ise Public Health Center: 0596-27-5140

Yokkaichi Public Health Center: 059-352-0594

Iga Public Health Center: 0595-24-8050

Suzuka Public Health Center: 059-392-5010

Owase Public Health Center: 0597-23-3456

Tsu Public Health Center: 059-223-5345

Kumano Public Health Center: 0597-89-6161

Matsusaka Public Health Center: 0598-50-0518

If you want to consult in a foreign language, call Mieco (Mie Consultation Center for Foreign Residents).

Phone number: 080-3300-8077

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and year-end and New Year holidays).

Languages ​​available: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali, Indonesian, Thai and Japanese.

The post Coronavirus: what to do if you feel unwell appeared first on Mie Info.

1. The City Hall will no longer require infection preventive measures

• People are encouraged to take their own preventive action.

2. It is no longer required by law to refrain from going out of your home

• It is recommended to refrain from going out for 5 days after the onset of symptoms.
• It is recommended to wear a mask for 10 days after the onset of symptoms.
• Health observation by health centers will no longer be carried out.

3. Patient identification (notification and registration) will be deleted

• Distribution of test kits and registration centers for positive cases have been closed.
• No more identification of people in close contact (no more stay-at-home requests).

4. Daily publication of the number of new cases and the total number of new cases will no longer be carried out

• The publication of infections will be done once a week.

5. Providing medical treatment in a wide range of medical institutions will be a goal

• See the “Medical Institutions for Outpatients” (Gairai Taio Iryo Kikan) designated by the prefecture (in Japanese only).
• Consultation services such as “consultation centers” will be maintained.

*Click here for information on Medical Consultation and Examination Centers (in Japanese only).

6. Treatment costs must be paid by the patient (except in some cases)

• From the costs of treatment, public financial assistance will continue to be provided for “the cost of expensive drugs against the coronavirus” and “part of the medical costs of hospitalization”.

*For information on public financial assistance, click here (in Japanese only).

7. Free examination services (pharmacies and medical institutions) will be closed.

• Purchase your own qualitative antigen test kit and test yourself.

8. Operation of accommodation and treatment facilities will be terminated.
9. The pulse oximeter loan will be terminated.

• Food aid ended at the end of March.

10. Issuance of medical treatment period notices will be terminated.

• When necessary, use documents issued by medical institutions, etc., showing test results as a substitute.

The post Coronavirus: What are the changes after the transition to category 5 of infectious diseases appeared first on Mie Info.

Until now, in line with regulations set by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the municipality has generally required people to wear masks indoors and left wearing them outdoors optional.  However, from March 13, 2023, the use of a mask will be at the individual discretion.

 (Kosei Rodo-sho)Click here for the leaflet (created by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare)

Even so, in the following cases, it is recommended to use a mask.

• When visiting a medical institution
• When visiting medical institutions or facilities for the elderly where many people at high risk of becoming seriously ill, such as the elderly, are hospitalized and/or live
• When an employee of a medical institution or facility for the elderly is working
• Riding on a crowded train or bus (excluding limited express trains, highway buses, charter buses, etc., where nearly all passengers can sit)
• When meeting elderly people who are at high risk of becoming seriously ill or people with underlying illnesses, wearing a mask is recommended to prevent the spread of the coronavirus

Please continue to take basic infection prevention measures such as ventilating indoor areas.  Also, be proactive about vaccinations.

• If you are experiencing immunization-related difficulties and/or need help booking vaccine:

Call the “Coronavirus Vaccine Consultation Line for Mie Foreigners” – Mie Gaikokujin Corona Vaccine Soudan Dial (みえ外国人コロナワクチン相談ダイアル)

TEL: 080-3123-9173

Opening hours: open from Sunday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm

Support Languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepalese, Indonesian, Thai and Japanese

• If you are having difficulties due to the new coronavirus:

Call MieCo, Consultation Center for Overseas Residents in Mie

TEL: 080-3300-8077

Opening hours: open from Sunday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm

Support Languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepalese, Indonesian, Thai and Japanese

The post About the use of mask from March 13, 2023 appeared first on Mie Info.

Avoid the following 3 C’s to prevent the infection of COVID-19.

1. Closed places with poor ventilation
2. Crowded places with many people nearby
3. Close-contact settings such as close range conversations

Places where these 3 C’s exist have a higher risks of occurance of clusters. Items used by multiple people should be cleaned with a disinfectant.

See pamphlets in several languages ​​below

Chinese – English – Japanese

Reference:

This article was based on the Request for Collaboration to Prevent the Outbreak of the Coronavirus, made by the Office of the Prime Minister of Japan (Shuso Kantei)

https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/content/000061868.pdf

The post Let’s Prevent Coronavirus Outbreaks appeared first on Mie Info.