The world is on alert due to the epidemic of the new Coronavirus, and Japan is no exception as cases have been confirmed in most prefectures. But the government of Japan has taken measures to prevent the spread of the virus and has released a series of indications to prevent infection.
If you are thinking of coming to Japan once the travel restrictions are lifted and want to enjoy your trip without worry, it is recommended to follow the preventive measures below.
Most Important Coronavirus Prevention Measures
– Mask N95: A disposable N95 mask (respirator) is a safety device that covers the nose and mouth and helps protect the wearer from breathing in some hazardous substances. An N95 mask protects you from breathing in small particles in the air such as dust and mold. It is said to be the only mask that prevents coronavirus.
Regular masks are especially effective in stopping you from spreading your own germs to others, which currently makes it a common courtesy to wear at least a regular mask whenever you go outdoors.
– Wash your hands frequently: Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
– Maintain social distancing: Maintain at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose and mouth which may contain the virus if they are infected. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Hygienic Coronavirus Prevention Measures
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth: Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose, or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
– Cover your own coughs and sneezes to prevent spreading viruses to others: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can; immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60 to 95% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty.
– Antivirus spray: There is a spray that can be easily obtained in any pharmacy in Japan that is used on the face and hair, creating a protective layer that repels viruses.
– Avoid rush hour and enclosed places with too many people: When moving from one place to another, avoid doing so at times where people go or leave work, it is best to avoid the rush hour. Japan offers many beautiful places that are not as well known. When making your trip, it is recommended to go to places that are not full of so many people, or at least not go on a holiday or weekend. Another way to avoid crowded trains as much as possible is to do a private tour by bicycle or that can be done on foot.
Take Care of Your Body
– Echinacea: Echinacea, or purple coneflower, has been used by Native Americans for hundreds of years. In the 1930s, it became popular in Europe and the United States as folk medicine. Echinacea increases the “nonspecific” activity of the immune system; unlike a vaccine, which is active against a specific disease, echinacea stimulates the overall activity of the cells responsible for fighting all kinds of infections.
It’s been shown to boost the production of a substance called interferon, which helps the body fight viral infections. To get the benefits of this immune-boosting herb, take it at the first sign of a sniffle, or at the possibility of an infection. You can also take it daily for the duration of your trip for prevention. Echinacea purpurea has the best supporting evidence for effectiveness in treating colds and flu, and it is said to work to prevent viral infections.
– Vitamin C: Consuming vitamin C is one of the ways to strengthen the immune system and create resistance against viruses.
– Sleep and de-stress: Colds, flu, and viruses especially strike when people are under stress, overworked, or sleep-deprived. Sleep is a natural requirement for effective prevention and speedy recovery. When the body is denied sleep, its production of the white blood cells that fight off microbes slows down. So no matter how well you cover the other areas of your health, sleep deprivation will cause an eventual breakdown. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep every night and try to find ways to manage stress effectively.
– Drink water every 20 minutes: Many of the viruses and bacteria that enter the human body tend to remain in the throat, and from there begin their expansion. Many doctors recommend drinking water every 20 minutes because it causes the virus to go down to the stomach and its acids kill the virus before it spreads.
Airport Transfer During Coronavirus
At this moment, one of the government-mandated rules, in order to curb the spread of COVID-19 by travelers who arrived from abroad, is that anyone entering Japan will have to book a private transfer in order to go from the airport to the first accommodation or home. You are not allowed to use public transportation or a regular taxi. Let us help you with your private airport transfer from and to Narita, Haneda, or Kansai International Airport (KIX).
Japan Border Reopening After Coronavirus
From September 2020, foreigners with a long-term visa in Japan were finally able to (re)enter Japan again since the travel ban started in April 2020. In October 2020, the government started thinking about a reopening of the Japanese borders for international tourists from as early as April 2021. The pandemic is not under control yet, but they started thinking about measures that can let inbound tourism return in a safe manner. Please see this article to learn about the latest updates about this exciting news.
Your Japan Tour
Following these preventive steps, you can experience your Japan tour with greater peace of mind and security. You can also consider booking private guides with us instead of joining a group tour.