August 10, 2021

To: All Yokohama National University Students

Executive Director (General Affairs) and Vice President Masaki Takagi

Executive Director (Education) and Vice President Hiroyasu Yachi

A sharp increase in new cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has prompted the Japanese government to again expand coverage of the state of emergency from Tokyo to the prefectures of Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama starting on August 2. Up to now, we at YNU have succeeded in minimizing infections on campus and thus maintained Phase 1.5 status on the “YNU Action Plans to Prevent the Spread of the Novel Coronavirus”. With new cases on the rise nationwide and more regions reporting record numbers, however, we at YNU have also seen over 23 infections in the past seven days.
In view of the current situation, we have decided to switch to Phase 2 on the YNU action plans mentioned above from August 11 to August 31. (In the event of an extension, an announcement will be made on or before August 27.)
In Phase 2, classes are held online in principle. Please check the notices from your college and/or academic advisor because the method of conducting classes may be changed where possible. However, classes compulsory for graduation or qualification, or considered necessary to maintain its effectiveness by holding in-person style will be conducted by in-person style while taking a thorough measures against the infection. Should you have any concerns about your health condition or about coming to school, or feel unwell after vaccination, please consult with the office of your college/graduate school or academic advisor about alternative methods of attendance.
Extracurricular activities are also held online in principle. A notice will be issued by YNU concerning the details.

In view of the perilous situation of the pandemic at present, the National Governors’ Association (NGA) compiled an “Emergency proposal in response to the nationwide resurgence of COVID-19” on August 1 and a “Memorandum on controls on travel across prefectural borders” on August 2 requesting the national government to ask the public to give careful consideration before traveling across prefectural borders during summer vacation including the obon holidays. The NGA website also posts a list of requests from each prefecture to residents, returnees, and travelers under “Messages from prefectures regarding homecoming and travel” dated August 2 on the NGA website (*in Japanese) .

For students, faculties, and administrative staffs of YNU who have been cooperative for a long time about preventing the spread of COVID-19 infections, restrictions on activities like summer camp, homecoming, and travel again during this year’s precious summer vacation will come as a great disappointment. To protect the lives and health of yourself, your family members, and your other loved ones, however, we ask that you act carefully, having checked the requests from and the situation of the pandemic at any prefectures you plan to visit. Please continue to refrain from taking part in gathering and dining that involve alcohol drinking.