Message from the TOMODACHI Initiative in Response to the Recent Novel Coronavirus Outbreak
Dear Partners and Friends
Thank you for your partnership and support of the TOMODACHI Programs.
The novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) outbreak that was first detected in China is now having an increased impact on business, events, and travel in Japan and beyond. The U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) continues to monitor the situation in Japan and the United States and implement the expert recommendations of national and international authorities including the World Health Organization (WHO), United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW).In addition, the USJC regularly tracks guidance from both governments and local municipalities where the programs are held.
USJC’s highest priority is the safety of all participants and the effectiveness of our programs. As the situation evolves and new information and guidelines from the WHO, CDC, and/or MHLW are released, USJC will coordinate with stakeholders and donors to determine whether to continue, cancel, or postpone each program on a case-by-case basis.
When we do conduct programs and events, we encourage participants to wash their hands frequently, wear masks as appropriate, practice good respiratory hygiene, and follow the guidelines from the WHO, CDC, MHLW, U.S. Department of State, and other U.S. and Japanese governmental authorities.
We also encourage participants to register with their respective government authorities (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and U.S. Department of State ) to receive updates on the situation if their programs and events involve international travel either to Japan or the United States.
Under the new program eligibility requirements, participants are prohibited from attending a program if the participant has one or more of the following:
- Traveled in any affected area, as designated by the WHO in its then-current Situation Report, within 14 days of the starting date of the Program;
- Had contact with someone who has been in any affected area, as designated by the WHO in its then-current Situation Report, within 14 days of the starting date Program; or
- Fever, cough, difficulty breathing, other signs of sickness, or is otherwise feeling unwell. For further information, please contact the Program Directors and/or Managers below.
U.S.-Japan Council (Japan)
Phone 03-4510-3400
Fax 03-4510-3419
