While the end of the new corona infection is not foreseeable, this is the first Obon holiday in three years without restrictions on movement.
When is the best time to take a test before returning home or traveling, and does the risk of infection differ depending on the means of transportation?
Here are some points you should know before traveling or returning home.
When should the inspection be conducted?
Professor Tetsuya Matsumoto of the International University of Health and Welfare says that the most important thing is to try not to infect grandparents.
For that reason, it is said that they want you to undergo an inspection in advance, but there is a point in the timing of the inspection.
In the case of PCR tests, it takes time to get results, so it is desirable to carry out about two days before moving.
Antigen test results may be available on the same day as the test.
In any case, it is important to confirm the negative and return home.
It is also important to carry an "antigen test kit" so that you can test yourself immediately if you feel unwell.
He also says that he wants people to think that they may be infected and act accordingly.
Is there a means of transportation with a low risk of infection?
How should I choose the means of transportation to my hometown?
Professor Matsumoto says that taking measures for any means of transportation can reduce the risk of infection, and that the important thing is to take measures at places you stop by during your trip.
Professor Tetsuya Matsumoto, International University of Health and Welfare
“If you go home by car, the risk of infection is not so high because the people who are always there are just moving. If you don't take off your mask, I don't think the risk of infection is that high, but if people gather and have conversations at various places along the way, such as the queues at souvenir shops. I would like you to think that there is a certain degree of risk.”
What are the points to take when returning home?
When you go home and meet your grandparents and have a face-to-face conversation, it is necessary to wear a mask and be careful about the number of people in one room.
Only 4-5 people can gather in one room.
I would like to avoid situations where more than 10 people gather as much as possible.
And ventilation is important.
Open two windows by about 10 cm.
I would like you to open the window about once an hour to exchange the air in the entire room.
What if I get infected at home?
If you get infected at your hometown, it will be difficult to return to your home.
It means that you have to spend your time at home and avoid contact with other people.
Can't go to the hospital when you go home or travel?
!
This is the nationwide bed occupancy rate as of the 9th, according to the Cabinet Secretariat's summary.
It is over 50% in 39 prefectures, affecting the medical delivery system in each region.
Takaji Wakita, chairman of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's expert meeting, is calling on people to pay close attention not only to corona but also to their behavior at home and travel destinations so as not to get sick or injured as much as possible.
Takaji Wakita, Chairman of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Expert Meeting
"There are areas where medical institutions are quite tight depending on the infection status of the destination. In fact, there are situations where it is not possible to see a hospital immediately when traveling or returning home. I think it is necessary to avoid actions that pose a high risk of infection as much as possible."