In Shiga prefecture, we will formulate the “Shiga Plan on How to Cope with COVID-19” and divide it into three phases based on objective indicators, and determine whether to “resume socio-economic activities” or to “strengthen countermeasures when the number of cases increases again”. We will take necessary measures according to the phases.

Special Precaution Phase

There is a high risk of collapse of medical system and infection outbreak; infections in the urban areas are increasing; activity constraints are required in various spheres.
Only industries and activities essential for daily life are permitted to continue; self-restraint is requested in other aspects.
Behavioral changes (one-fifth rule) that reduce the effective reproduction number, by 80% are necessary.

Alert Phase

There is a possibility of the infection spreading within or across prefectures; may lead to infection outbreaks or collapse of medical system if the situation worsens.
Restrictions will be imposed on high-risk places and activities; close attention or partial restrictions will be deployed at those of low risk.
Behavioral changes that reduce the effective reproduction number, by 50% are necessary.

Caution Phase

The infections within and outside the prefecture are evidently under control and suppressed to a certain degree; activities are resumed while paying attention to the three Cs.
Instead of returning to normal life, activities are carried out under the continuation of measures such as avoiding the three Cs, keeping distance with people, wearing masks, and washing hands thoroughly.
Behavioral changes that reduce the effective reproduction number, by 30% are necessary.
※ “Effective reproduction number” is a value that indicates how many persons an infected person infects.