Important Notice: Kyoto University's Policy regarding New-Type Influenza (third edition)

Important Notice: Kyoto University's Policy regarding New-Type Influenza (third edition)

日本語

May 13, 2009
Committee for Infection Control Measures

In view of the risks involved, Kyoto University herein announces its current policy with regards to overseas travel.

For those students and staff who are currently observing the 7-day wait period (established in the second edition announcement dated May 8, 2009), we ask that those who would be able to work/study at the university starting today – according to this announcement – do so starting May 13, with the exception of those with fevers or other symptoms.

Depending on developments within the country, it is possible announcements will be made suspending work/classes in the future. Students/staff are advised to visit this webpage regularly and stay in touch with faculty and department of affiliation.

Major changes from the second edition

  1. Regarding overseas travel

    (PREVIOUS)

    • Countries with confirmed isolated cases of the new-type influenza: Strongly requested to refrain from traveling to the country.
    • Countries with suspected isolated cases of the new-type influenza: Requested to refrain from traveling to the country.

    (CURRENT)

    • Countries with confirmed outbreaks of the new-type influenza: Strongly requested to refrain from traveling to the country.
    • Outbreaks as of May 12: Mexico, Continental USA, Canada
    • Countries with confirmed and/or suspected cases of the new-type influenza: Requested to refrain from, or postpone traveling to the country.
  2. After (re)entry into Japan

    (PREVIOUS)

    • After (re)entry into Japan from a country with suspected cases: 7 days of voluntary quarantine at home

    (CURRENT)

    • After (re)entry into Japan from a country with a confirmed outbreak: 4 days of voluntary quarantine at home and 7 days of health monitoring.
    • After (re)entry into Japan from other countries with isolated cases and/or suspected cases: 7 days of health monitoring (no voluntary quarantine period).
    • If there are unavoidable circumstances that require the presence of individuals who have recently (within 4 days of return) (re)entered Japan from a country where an outbreak has been confirmed, a health questionnaire must be submitted to the KU Health Services via the faculty or departmental office of affiliation beforehand to receive an official judgment by a doctor.

 

  1. Regarding overseas travel:
    (1) We strongly request that students, faculty and staff members refrain from traveling to countries where an outbreak of the new-type influenza has been confirmed (see Note 1 below)
    (2) We request that students, faculty and staff members refrain from, or postpone trips to countries where isolated cases of the new-type influenza have been confirmed, or are suspected (see Note 2 below).
  2. When returning to, or entering Japan from a country where an outbreak of the new-type influenza has been confirmed:
    (1) Remain at home and continue to take measures (gargling, washing hands and wearing masks) to prevent infection, for a total of 4 days including the day of return. Also complete the health questionnaire (see Note 3) and contact the Kyoto University Health Service via your affiliated administrative office in cases where there are 2 or more symptoms and/or a fever of more than 37.5°C.
    (2) In the event that a fever or other symptoms associated with the influenza develop, we recommend that you follow the above procedures beyond the 4 day period.
    (3) If returning from a risk-free country via a country where an outbreak of the new-type influenza has been reported (or is suspected) by means of a transfer, connecting flight, etc., the voluntary quarantine period shall not apply if the time spent in the country was less than 24 hours.
    (4) The above regulations [(1)-(3)] also apply to persons admitted into Japan (such as invited international academics, international researchers, international students, etc.).
    (5) Regardless of regulations (1) and (4) above, if there are unavoidable circumstances that require the presence of individuals who have recently returned (entered Japan) from a country where an outbreak has been confirmed, the following procedures shall allow him/her to attend classes, work, lecture, etc.
    i) The individual who is to attend class/work/lecture (temporary foreign nationals shall be represented by their host professor) shall contact their faculty or departmental office of affiliation (by e-mail, fax, etc.) upon completing the health questionnaire by the day before the intended return (for multiple days during the recommended quarantine, the day before each day of return) to the university.
    2) The faculty or departmental office of affiliation shall submit the health questionnaire to the KU Health Service (FAX: 753-2424).
    3) The KU Health Service shall consider the circumstances and come to a final decision, which will be conveyed to the faculty or departmental office of affiliation.
    4) The faculty or departmental office of affiliation will contact and convey 3) to the individual in question, or their host professor.
  3. When returning to, or entering Japan from a country where isolated cases of the new-type influenza have been confirmed, or are suspected, the voluntary quarantine period shall not apply.
    However, the health questionnaire should be completed, and where there are two or more symptoms and/or a fever of over 37.5°C, we ask that the KU Health Service be contacted via the faculty or departmental office of affiliation.
  4. For those who are currently in a country where cases of the new-type influenza have been confirmed, or are suspected:
    (1) At present, the university has not requested the immediate recall of its students or staff staying overseas.
    (2) Students and staff are asked to obtain information from, and follow the instructions and recommendations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the local Japanese Embassy in those countries. In addition, appropriate measures should be taken against infection (gargling, washing hands, and wearing sanitary masks) and areas with a high risk of infection should be avoided.
  5. Other information:
    In addition to keeping your affiliated faculty or departmental office informed regarding your physical condition, contact the KU Health Service and follow the instructions given, in the event that any changes occur in the status of your health.
    Do not independently seek treatment through a regular doctor or healthcare provider.
    If the KU Health Service cannot be reached due to office hours or holidays, contact a nearby public health center, or the "Kyoto City Symptoms Counseling Center" (hatsu-netsu soudan senta-).

For inquiries related to concerns about your physical condition

- Kyoto University Health Service (Mon - Fri, 8:30 am to 5:15 pm)

  • Yoshida District: 2405
  • Katsura District: 7308
  • Uji District: 4381
  • Kumatori District: 2308

- For other inquiries related to this matter, contact the Kyoto University General Affairs Department, Risk Management Officer at the following telephone number: 075-753-2226

- Kyoto City Public Health Centers (Mon - Fri, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm)

*Note 1: An outbreak has been confirmed by the Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry, in the following countries as of 2 pm May 5. (3 countries)
Mexico, Continental USA, Canada
Refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the latest information.
http://www-bm.mhlw.go.jp/kinkyu/kenkou/influenza/index.html (external link)

*Note 2:

  • Cases of infection have been confirmed in the following countries and/or areas as of 9 am May 13. (19 countries/areas)
    (Excluding Mexico, USA, Canada and Japan)
    Spain, New Zealand, Israel, Great Britain, Germany, Austria, Holland, Switzerland, Denmark, China(including Hong Kong), France, South Korea, Costa Rica, Italy, Ireland, Colombia, El Salvador, Portugal, Guatemala, Sweden, Poland, Brazil, Argentina, Panama, Australia, Norway, Thailand, Finland, Cuba
  • Cases of infection are suspected in the following countries as of 8 am May 13. (13 countries. Includes media reported cases)
    India, Phillipines, Kosovo, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania, Russia, Uruguay, Chili, Belize, Peru, Bolivia, Honduras

    Refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for updates on infected countries.
    http://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp (external link)

*Note 3: Health questionnaire: Word / PDF
Answer "Questionnaire 1" with regards to symptoms BEFORE return/entry into Japan.
"Questionnaire 2" should be filled out referring to health conditions AFTER return/entry into Japan.
Where there are two or more symptoms and/or a fever of over 37.5°C, contact the KU Health Service via the faculty or departmental office of affiliation.
For foreign national researchers and associates, enter the host professor's contact information under <Host information>.

 

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