New COVID-19 Case Confirmed at Hokkaido University

University News | May 03, 2020

National University Corporation Hokkaido University


New COVID-19 Case Confirmed at Hokkaido University


Hokkaido University confirmed a new COVID-19 case among its staff members on Friday, May 1, 2020. The following information has been collected at first hand, and compiled for this report together with the prepared contingency procedures which the University took without delay.


  1. The COVID-19 patient

Gender: Male

Age group: 20s

Type of work: Administrative

Affiliated post in: Hokkaido University Sapporo Campus


City of Sapporo COVID-19 Data and Reports

https://www.city.sapporo.jp/hokenjo/f1kansen/2019n-covhassei.html#h0305 (in Japanese)


Note: The University stresses that patient and family privacy and confidentiality must be maintained in all forms of communication by all concerned, and their human rights must be protected at all times.


  1. Date tested positive for COVID-19 

Friday, May 1, 2020


  1. Recent overseas travel history 

No overseas travel history within the last month before tested positive.


  1. Course of symptoms 

Tuesday, April 28   High temperature

Thursday, April 30   COVID-19 sample collection

Monday, May 1   Tested positive for COVID-19 as confirmed by the Sapporo Institute of Public Health; currently scheduling hospital admission while in self-isolation at home


  1. Close contacts 

We interviewed the patient to find out his movements and contacts at workplace, and have determined his close contacts at the University. All close contacts are now mandated to take compulsory leave of absence to stay home for 14 days after the last close contact to the patient. They are currently under health observation advised by the Institute of Public Health.

Our campuses have been off-limits to all students since Monday, April 20. The patient has been off work since the day his symptom (a fever) first appeared; therefore has not had any contacts with students in a close proximity.


  1. Disinfection of the premises

Disinfection has been carried out in the patient’s office, and for the facilities and equipment on his trace of movement on Friday, May 1.


  1. University action against COVID-19

Hokkaido University has established its own COVID-19 Task Force on March 23, 2020. In compliance with the State of Emergency declaration by the Japanese government, and with all the expert advice taken into account, the Task Force has developed “Hokkaido University Business Continuity Plan During Coronavirus Outbreak (BCP)” and facilitated online education for our students. Meanwhile, the University has strived to communicate various initiatives to help prevent the infection spread to our students and staff via website, social media and bulk email.

In addition to student and staff safety, we are committed to serving in the best interest of our local communities in Hokkaido and beyond to have their health and safety safeguarded by improving and implementing protective measures as the circumstances demand.


Hokkaido University COVID-19 Information

https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/university-life/health-and-wellness/covid-19-health-alerts-and-advisories/ (in English)

https://www.hokudai.ac.jp/covid-19 (in Japanese)


  1. Inquiries

Press and media can contact:

Public Relations and External Affairs, Public Relations Division, General Affairs and Planning Department

kouhou@jimu.hokudai.ac.jp


All other inquiries should be directed to:

General Affairs Division, General Affairs and Planning Department

soumu_kikaku@general.hokudai.ac.jp


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