The Japanese government issued a declaration of a state of emergency again right after the New Year on January 7.
Countries in the northern hemisphere have been at the mercy of the dreadful COVID-19 which became quite active in the coldness of winter; while a new vaccine for the Coronavirus has been rolled out in the United States and Europe. It is expected that the vaccine will be available in Japan around spring.
Research on COVID-19 has been promoted in various parts of the world. Meanwhile, the media reports that wearing a surgical mask is more effective for preventing COVID-19 infection than previously recognized.
In other words, there were many cases in which talking at close range without wearing a surgical mask led to COVID-19 infection. These include such situations as social gatherings, eating and drinking in a large group of people, and moving to another location (like a smoking area and a changing room at public bath and gym). COVID-19 cases among the younger generation rose higher than during the first wave, and serious cases have recently been observed.
Please take good care of yourself.
Kawasaki City website for foreign residents:https://www.city.kawasaki.jp/350/page/0000116234.html
COVID-19 Information and Resources by Immigration Services Agency of Japan:
http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/support/portal/information_covid19.html