Golden Week is usually the busiest travel periods in Japan with many salaried employees taking advantage of the week-long holiday to return to their hometown or overseas.

However, officials have expressed their concern that the virus will spread further during the massive exodus. Therefore, Japan is stepping up its efforts to try to contain coronavirus by advising people to stay at home during the holiday. Under Japan’s quasi-lockdown, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is currently implementing the “Stay Home Week” measures until 6 May.

Through its campaign “Stay Home, Stay in Tokyo and Save Lives,” residents are asked to refrain from going out unless it’s necessary or urgent, and to keep a two-meter distance between others. People are also advised to avoid the following three conditions:

• Closed, poorly ventilated spaces
• Crowds of people
• Verbal communication at close range

Meanwhile, Tokyo has established the “Tokyo Coronavirus Support Centre for Foreign Residents”. To make an inquiry, please call the support centre in your language and obtain information. You will also be guided to the public health centre or other dedicated helplines as necessary. The support centre will assist you in case translation is needed for communication with the facilities.

The service is available in 14 languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepalese, Indonesian, Tagalog, Thai, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Cambodian, Burmese and easy Japanese. The call centre is open on weekdays from 10AM to 5PM, and is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.