Dec 18 2020

In the upcoming season, there is concern that more travels and gatherings can increase the risk of infection. Niigata University has requested cooperation to take thorough prevention and control measures against the novel coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19). I would like to seek continued cooperation from all NU students, faculty, and staff members to take control measures for the year-end and new year season, and ask you all to take extra caution on the following.

1. Avoid "Three Cs": Closed spaces with poor ventilation, Crowded places with many people nearby, and Close-contact settings such as close-range conversations. For the first shrine visit of the year, avoid busy period. Refrain from going out as much as you can, and avoid using facilities or joining events with insufficient control measures against infection.
2. Take utmost caution with grasping the situation of infection in the destination when you move out of Niigata prefecture for traveling home or for leisure. Refrain from close contact with unspecified people coming from outside of the prefecture, and avoid contact with many people as much as possible.
3. Do not go traveling in a group of more than five or six people, including club activities, in terms of the risk of infection.
4. Do not hold social gatherings with large number of people, including drinking parties while returning home, and drinking with your classmates or colleagues in places like restaurants, dormitories, and apartment buildings. Please take caution even when dining together in small groups, such as family, being alert to the increased risk of infection.

Furthermore, I strongly urge you to avoid drinking and driving cars, motorcycles or riding bikes as well as illegal or inappropriate activities. Please be aware that you belong to Niigata University, and be responsible for your own actions.

*Note: All information including relevant notifications and guidelines regarding the control measures against COVID-19 is posted on "Information Regarding the Novel Coronavirus." I encourage you all to refer to the website.

USHIKI Tatsuo, M.D., Ph.D.
President, Niigata University