January 8, 2021
Yuichi Hasebe
President, Yokohama National University

　On January 7th 2021, the Government of Japan announced the State Emergency for the second time toward Tokyo and surrounding three prefectures including Kanagawa Pref., and shortening business hours toward several sectors have been requested.
　At YNU, classes are conducted via online in principle with putting students’ safety and security as a priority, while issuing a policy that “some of the mandatory classes (such as lab experiment classes) required for graduation/degree completion may be held in an in-person setting, provided that maximum measures are taken to prevent the spread of infection”. In addition, some classes (experiments and practical and technical training) for non-graduating students who require certain courses to move up to the next year, are held in an in-person setting as well.
　Since this State Emergency and the request from Kanagawa Pref. does not include a closure to universities, and considering that there have been no cases found in YNU campus until now, YNU will try to maintain its quality of education and research activities by taking utmost measures toward the infection and conduct in-person classes permitted beforehand as scheduled based on “YNU Action Plans to Prevent the Spread of the Novel Coronavirus (ver3)”.
　However, extracurricular activities, whether or not registered at YNU, will be permitted to hold only in online settings in principle, and all extracurricular facilities will be closed during the State Emergency.
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　We are now in the middle of the most important days by facing graduation or promotion to the next grade. We understand that most of students has taken every possible effort to prevent the spread of infection. Nonetheless, once again with the announcement of State Emergency, we ask you to consider the safety and security of your families and friends as a priority and avoid the “Three Cs” (Closed spaces, Crowded spaces, Close-contact settings), wash your hands, wear a mask, ventilate frequently and avoid holding dining gatherings. Please pay attention to “5 situations that increase the risk of infection” and take any possible measures to avoid the spread of the virus.
　Currently, we are in phase 2 of the “YNU Action Plans to Prevent the Spread of the Novel Coronavirus (ver3)”. However, following the request from the Government of Japan, Kanagawa Pref. or the conditions of the infection in YNU campus, a change in phase may become necessary. In such cases, please pay attention to the notice from YNU.

• 5 situations that increase the risk of infection