For Foreigners in Japan ~がいこくじんのみなさんへ~
With the number of coronavirus infections rising in Japan, foreign residents, visitors and those planning to visit Japan must be worried about what is going on. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) now operates a 24-hour hotline that provides information about the virus in English, Chinese and Korean. 050-3816-2787. For further info, click here. For emergency, there is messenger service.
General information
+Ministry of Health Labour and Wealth (MHLW)
+Ministry of Justice (Immigration info)
+Medical institutions in your area (English)
About Face Masks...
Japanese wear face masks mainly to prevent the spread of the virus because we don't know if we are infected or not (Some people use masks to hide runny noses cause by pollen allergies or to cover faces with no makeup). You may find it weird or uncomfortable being in a space where everyone is wearing a mask, but it is an accepted manner here, so it would very much be appreciated if you could wear one, especially in public transportation. Make sure the mask covers both the nose and mouth.
If you don't have one...
Japanese police gave a simple instruction of how to make a mask. All you need is paper towel, rubber bands and stapler.
Accordion-fold the paper, staple rubber bands at both ends and done!!
"Cough Etiquette"
The Health Ministry suggests the right ways to cough.
*Cover nose and mouth with mask *With tissue or towel *With a sleeve
BAD Examples
*not covering at all *cover with your hands
How to properly wash hands
*Cut nails *Remove watch and accessories
1 Wet your hands with running water, rub palms with soap
2 Apply soap and stretch the back of your hands
3 Rub fingertips and under nails
4 Rub between fingers
5 Twist thumb with palm
6 Don't forget to wash wrists
7 Wash off soap
8 Dry hands with clean towel