AKP Blog

Over the weekend, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) raised its Travel Advisory for Japan to Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) similarly raised their advisory to Level 2: Practice Enhanced Precautions.

At this time, both AKP and Doshisha University continue to operate as normal. The immediate Kyoto area (Kyoto Prefecture, Osaka Prefecture, and Nara Prefecture) has been relatively quiet, with only five confirmed cases of the coronavirus thus far. For four of these cases, at least three weeks have passed since their diagnosis. No students or staff have been reported as being impacted by the coronavirus, and we continue to implement the precautions detailed in our previous update as well as the following:

• Requesting students to visit their local doctor’s office/hospital at the onset of flu-like symptoms and to inform AKP on their condition.
• Advising students to avoid large gatherings or events, as recommended by Doshisha University and the Government of Japan.

Finally, additional precautions are being taken for AKP’s upcoming field trips. Home institutions, emergency contacts, and AKP campus representatives have been sent more information regarding these precautions in an email sent on Wednesday, February 26.

As before, the situation remains fluid, and we will continue to closely monitor and make decisions based on guidance and resources from the CDC, DOS, Overseas Security Advisory Council, and our partners at Doshisha University. Should you have any questions, we welcome you to email us_office@associatedkyotoprogram.org or call 909-621-8884.