COVID-19: Changes from May 8

From May 8th, 2023, the legal status of COVID-19 is downgraded in the same group as seasonal influenza and the things change as follows;

[When you become COVID-19 positive,]

●No self-quarantine necessary (including close-contact person)

・However, it is recommended to refrain from going out until 5 days pass from the date of symptom occurrence and 24 hours after the symptoms subsided.

・It is recommended to keep wearing a non-woven mask at least for 10 days after symptom occurrence, and also to wear it when you meet people at risk of severe diseases such as the elderly.

●You can go to any medical institutions as long as they are ready to accept patients. No need to be “fever clinics” or designated hospitals, however please contact the institutions in advance.

●The medical fees are no longer free including the fee for testing , outpatient care, and hospitalization (There is some treatment that the government support continues.)

●No need to register as “positive patient” to the public health office

・The health monitoring by the public health office, service of sending life support supplies, free rental of pulse oximeters, and issuance of the certificate of recovery all end on May 7th.

●Free Antigen Test Kits distribution at pharmacies or public health centers end on May 7th.

Where to consult (e.g. when symptoms get worse, cannot find a hospital, etc.)

COVID-19 Health Consultation Dial
011-350-5877（everyday 9:00～18:00）
Languages：Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean

Please see Sapporo City’s website (Auto-translation) for the details.
https://www.city.sapporo.jp.e.ain.hp.transer.com/hokenjo/5ruika.html