TUFS Countermeasures against COVID-19 infection from Fall Quarter
September 25, 2020
Hokesen Letter, No 212 (English ver.), September 25, 2020.
Health Care Center, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.
Yasuhiro Yamauchi, MD, PhD.
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection, we are requested to live daily with ‘new normal’ lifestyle, which is recommended for basic infection prevention, including wearing face mask, washing hands and keeping social distance with avoidance of the “three C’s”. In addition, in order to secure learning opportunities for students, it is necessary for both faculty members and students to take measures against infection in ‘in-person’ classes that will be resumed in the fall semester. In particular, as measures against infectious diseases at universities, it is necessary to take measures in accordance with 「cutting off the source of infection」,「cutting off the route of infection」,「boosting immune system」,「reducing risk in clusters」.
1. Cutting off the source of infection
It is important not to bring the virus on campus. Therefore, ①both faculty members and students should not go to campus if they feel sick including cold such as fever, please stay at home. For that purpose, ②check body temperature before going to campus. In addition, ③temperature sensors will be installed at the entrance of major buildings such as the lecture building on campus, so be sure to measure your body temperature when entering the building and do not enter if you have a fever.
2. Cutting off the route of infection
The novel coronavirus infection is generally said to be transmitted by droplet infection or contact infection. Talking to people at close range in a closed space, there is a risk of spreading the infection without sneezing or coughing. Therefore, please wear face mask* and perform cough etiquette on campus. Also, when you arrive at the university, please wash your hands first. Hand wash for about 30 seconds with soap and running water. Hand washing is recommended before and after meals, after using the toilet, when you touched something that may frequently touched by other people, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
* At present, for prevention of airborne infection, wearing a face mask is recommended, rather than face shield or mouth shield.
3. Boosting immune system
In order to boost your immune system, please get adequate sleep, exercise regularly, and take well-balanced foods.
4. Reducing risk in clusters
Avoid closed space and ventilate the room at least once every 30 minutes, open the windows fully for a few minutes. Also, avoid spending time in crowded places or in groups and try to keep a physical distance at 2 meters or of at least 1 meter, especially when talking or speaking.
If you have any questions, please consult Health Care Center, TUFS.
References:
Manuals of hygiene control about novel corona viruses infection at schools ~ the ‘new lifestyle’ at school ~ (2020.9.3 Ver 4.) (in Japanese)
https://www.mext.go.jp/content/20200903-mxt_kouhou01-000004520_1.pdf