Photo/Illutration Governors attending an online session of the National Governors’ Association discuss measures to stem the spread of the new coronavirus on Aug. 8. (Ryo Oyama)

On the eve of the Bon holidays, prefectural governors have a request for those planning to return to their hometowns: don't go if you have a fever or have visited a venue at high risk for contracting COVID-19.

The message was issued after 36 governors participated in an online meeting of the National Governors’ Association on Aug. 8, as spikes in coronavirus cases are being reported in many parts of the country, not just the Tokyo metropolitan area.

The governors urged those who are determined to return to their hometowns during the annual Bon season next week should take thorough measures to prevent infections.

The meeting was called by Kamon Iizumi, governor of Tokushima Prefecture, who serves as the president of the association.

Concerns for a further surge in infections are heightening as the Bon festival season starts next week. During this time, it is a tradition for Japanese to return to their hometowns to honor the spirits of their ancestors, check on aging parents and reunite with relatives and childhood friends.

In the message, titled “To safeguard sweet hometowns,” the association stressed the following points: people who have a fever or have been to high-risk venues for contracting the virus within the past two weeks should refrain from returning to their hometowns; people planning to return should check the message concerning visits from the governor of the prefecture where their hometown is located; people should take full precautions against transmitting the virus, particularly to the elderly, pregnant women and those with an underlying health condition.

The message also warned against denigrating and discriminating behavior against people who are visiting their hometowns as well as tourists, citing the possibility that any individual can become infected with the virus.

At the online meeting, governors who are seeing rising new cases expressed alarm at the prospect of large numbers of people planning to visit their hometowns.

Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki described his prefecture as “in the worst shape,” citing outbreaks throughout the prefecture, including far-flung islands, and slim chances for obtaining medical assistance from nearby prefectures due to its location.

Tamaki called on Okinawans living in other prefectures to think twice about returning to Okinawa during the Bon festivities.

“I ask that they contact the elderly over the phone or online, rather than meeting them in person,” he said.

But some prefectures extended a measured welcome to travelers.

Aomori Governor Shingo Mimura called on visitors to act responsibly and not to infect others, while requesting people in his prefecture that they should warmly accept those returning to their hometowns.

(This article was written by Nami Hamada, Ryo Oyama and Koyuru Kinoshita.)

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