Yokohama facility for people with intellectual disabilities with 40 COVID-19 cases suspends day care service

By Barrier Free Japan with extracts translated From NHK

September 4 2020

YOKOHAMA – The Yokohama municipal government announced on the 4th that 40 people, a total of 40 users and staff, were found to be newly infected with the new coronavirus at an outpatient facility for people with intellectual disabilities in the city. The social welfare corporation that manages the facility decides to suspend the use of day-care facilities for the time being.

According to the city ward, the outbreak was revealed in the Hikarinooka “Firefly” facility in Asahi Ward, Yokohama, which is a facility for people with intellectual disabilities.

By the 3rd day, a total of 3 infections had been found at this facility, including 1 employee and 2 male users.

For this reason, the city dispatched a specialized team from the 2nd and carried out a simultaneous inspection targeting a total of 160 people, including users and staff, and on the 4th, infections of 40 people including users and staff were revealed. Is that.

Since there are many people who are mild or asymptomatic, the city will continue to observe their health condition.

According to the city, some people with intellectual disabilities may find it difficult to wear a mask, and the staff members are working closely with them on a daily basis, which suggests that the infection has spread. ..

The city is investigating whether the infection has spread further and determine whether a clusters has occurred.

In addition, the social welfare corporation “Shirane Gakuen”, which manages the facilities, will continue to operate the entrance facilities and other facilities, but will suspend the use of day-care facilities for the time being.