Expert advice on avoiding holiday infections
13:34 JST, December 31, 2021
Festive New Year’s activities, such as travel, parties and family gatherings, are feared to increase the risk of novel coronavirus infections as the omicron variant continues to surge.
Experts are sharing tips on reducing the risk.
Prof. Yoshiaki Katsuda, who specializes in travel medicine at Kansai University of Social Welfare, suggests avoiding crowded peak hours at train stations and airports.
Aboard trains, he recommends choosing less crowded cars and not speaking loudly.
Travel by private car reduces contact with people, but highway rest areas still pose an infection risk. “It’s safer to get take-out food to eat in your car,” Katsuda said.
The omicron variant is highly contagious and is feared to be airborne.
“It’s a chilly season, but ventilation is important,” Katsuda said.
He suggested using more heaters and keeping some windows slightly open when you spend time with your family. Meals such as New Year’s osechi cuisine should be served in individual portions, rather than shared from a large plate at the table.
At the end of 2020, parties and travel contributed to the rapid spread of the coronavirus.
Toho University Prof. Kazuhiro Tateda, who specializes in infectious disease, urges everyone to think back on the lessons of the past year and decide whether their planned outings are really necessary.
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has a toll-free number that people around the nation can call if they fear they might be infected, and the Tokyo Fever Consultation Center has a 24-hour line for concerned Tokyo residents. English consultations are available at both numbers, which are shown in the box accompanying this story.
"Society" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Typhoon Cimaron Forms South of Japan; Expected to Move Closer to Kyushu, Shikoku in Few Days
-
Typhoon Jebi, Typhoon Krathon Approaching Japan; Impact on Eastern Japan, Okinawa is Concerning
-
Boy Stabbed Near Japanese School in China’s Shenzhen Dies; Tension Builds in Japanese Community (Update 1)
-
Typhoon Pulasan to Approach Japan’s Nansei Islands after Wednesday
-
Photo of Shibuya’s Iconic Dog Hachiko Giving Paw Found; Picture Is One of Four Discovered in the Past Year
JN ACCESS RANKING
- Harris Widens Lead over Trump to 47%-40%, Reuters/Ipsos Poll Finds
- Japan-S. Korea Exchange Festival Held in Seoul
- Mooncake Sales in China Frosty Ahead of Fall Holidays, as Sluggish Economy and Govt Rules Take Their Toll
- Gaza Polio Vaccination Rate Likely Exceeds 90%; UNRWA Health Director Praises ‘Miraculous’ Rollout
- Typhoon Cimaron Forms South of Japan; Expected to Move Closer to Kyushu, Shikoku in Few Days