Health Service Center
 

As Omicron ー the new COVID-19 variant ー runs rampant, the number of infections at Hiroshima University is rapidly increasing. We urge HU students, faculty, and staff to be aware of the risk and take the utmost measures to prevent infection in order to protect yourself, your family, and your friends.

On January 9, 2022, Hiroshima Prefecture adopted "priority measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19," however, the rapid spread of the infection has not been halted. On January 20, the daily number of new cases exceeded 1,500. There has also been a series of confirmed cases on campus since early January. In addition to household transmission, some cases seem to be associated with eating, drinking, or gathering with friends for long periods of time.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the Omicron strain is three times more infectious than the Delta strain. Given the potential shorter incubation period and high transmissibility, there is a chance that larger clusters may emerge.

HU complies with the following to prevent the spread of infection:

1. Basic preventive measures are thoroughly implemented on campus (non-woven masks, hand washing, gargling, eating in silence, ventilation, etc.).
2. Students, faculty, and staff showing symptoms are asked to refrain from coming to campus.
3. If positive cases are identified in extracurricular activities, the activities of that club or circle are temporarily suspended.
4. The Health Service Center provides consultation and support for students who feel unwell or worried about infection.

From February 1, a prefectural PCR center will be open in the South Parking Area #4 on the Higashi-Hiroshima campus (by appointment only).

We ask for the cooperation of all students, faculty, and staff to prevent the further spread of the infection.