Japan Now! No.1-コロナウィルスとの闘い、あるいはコロナウィルスの憂鬱-－Fight against coronavirus or depression of coronavirus（March 11,2020)

Foreword（初めに）
I would like to record the current state of Japanese society, our way of life, and topics that have been talked about, and share it with people all over the world. The topics described here are like an ordinary citizen's solitary talks, but I hope they will help you get to know Japan today and have more interest in Japan.
Of course, what is written here is just a personal impression at the time. Also, I am not always fluent in English. I think there are many points where words are lacking, but please forgive me.

コロナウィルスとの闘い、あるいはコロナウィルスの憂鬱-－Fight against coronavirus or depression of coronavirus（March 11,2020)

In Japan, there is now concern about the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19). According to reports, as of February 19, the number of infected people had reached 84, and the infection has been spreading throughout Japan from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south. A total of 621 people were infected with the new coronavirus on the luxury cruise ship Diamond Princess. Some have died from this virus.

According to a summary by NHK (Japan's public broadcaster), at 10:30 am on March 11, 568 people were infected in Japan, 696 on a cruise ship, and 14 on charter aircraft. In total, 1278 people were infected. Globally, the number of new coronavirus infections reached 124,101 in 113 countries and territories, according to statistics compiled by AFP based on national authorities' announcements. (As of 2:00 am on the 12th of Japan time)

WHO declared on March 11 that the outbreak of the new coronavirus was a pandemic. In general, a pandemic refers to a condition in which the outbreak of infectious disease is out of control. Like the flu, containment of the virus is no longer a difficult situation, and we have no choice but to rely on coping.

According to experts, it is important to avoid close contact with the infected person, that is, to avoid crowding. However, about 80% of infected people have cold-like symptoms that heal spontaneously, so we go out into town and unknowingly spread the virus without realizing that we are infected. In the early stages, people infected with the virus do not get stuck with a fever of 40 degrees Celsius, unlike the flu.

Infections in groups, so-called cluster infections, have become a problem, and measures have been taken to prevent crowding, such as staggered work, telework, school closures, and self-control of large events such as sports and music. Still, even commuter trains with staggered commutes are crowded with men and women traveling to and from work. Most people wear surgical masks on trains and hear no voice, but if someone coughs or sneezes, we'll turn to them. Viruses are said to be susceptible to transmission in enclosed spaces, such as houseboats, live houses and gyms, where many people gather. But is a crowded commuter train OK?

Demand for surgical masks, alcohol disinfectants and disinfection wet tissues is growing rapidly in Japan, and they are not sold at convenience stores or supermarkets at all, and new ones are not available. Sadly, these goods are being bought up and sold at high prices at internet auctions. Until last week, toilet paper not directly related to coronavirus was bought up, making it difficult to obtain. In some cases, toilet paper was stolen from restaurants and other stores. Where did the Japanese pride and coolness go?

In Japan, there is criticism that the coronavirus testing system is not in place, and that those who are deemed to need virus testing have not been tested. However, as in other countries, there has been no explosive spread so far, and it seems that government and local government measures are generally evaluated as being successful.

Government requests include closing schools from elementary school to high school, refraining from selling large events such as sports and music, and prohibiting the resale of surgical masks. Although various criticisms have been raised against them, it seems that Japanese people are doing what they can on their own in accordance with the requests of the government and local governments, so as not to spread the infection.

Of course, it is necessary to pay attention to those who are damaged by these measures and those who are vulnerable to society. We also need to make sure that the current medical system is not destroyed by the flood of people who have panicked in the medical field. Effective resources such as budget and human resources are limited, and it is unavoidable to prioritize and respond to this situation.

In Japan and the world, the movement of people has been restricted and the stock market has crashed. The planned hosting of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games has also been jeopardized. The impact on the Japanese economy has been severe. The negative effects on the people of the world can be even more severe. In the future, the battle with coronavirus is expected to be a long-term one to develop vaccines and establish treatment methods. It is a battle against the invisible virus, and I can not imagine what Japan will be like one month later.

However, human life and health are irreplaceable. We must overcome this crisis by combining the wisdom and efforts of people around the world. It's not just that we're good, or just our own country. This may be one of the great challenges for humanity.

Today, March 11, Japan has experienced a catastrophic defeat in the Pacific War. It has also been hit by numerous natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and torrential rain. Nevertheless, each time we managed to endure and recover again. Winter is almost over. And, as in the usual year, the season is when beautiful cherry blossoms bloom throughout Japan.