Dear visitors to IPMU,
We are very much looking forward to your visit to IPMU! Our scientific members have grown to about 50, and it has become a very exciting place to be. I hope all your travel needs are being taken care of.
I'd like to inform you about the situation regarding the H1N1 virus (swine flu). So far there are only three confirmed cases in Japan. However, the worldwide outbreak of the virus has prompted Japanese government and University of Tokyo to take cautionary measures to keep the virus "off-shore". Let me share some information with you to avoid any surprise or panic.
When you arrive on a flight from US, Canada, or Mexico, a quarantine team will board in blue clean suits and masks, and measures each passenger's body temperature using thermographic cameras. You are also asked to fill out a questionnaire about where you have been, whether you have any symptoms, where you can be contacted in Japan. (Please fill out your hotel address and phone number as your contact information.) Until everybody is checked off, nobody is allowed to disembark. The upside: you'll get a brand new mask for free.
I've experienced this process myself, and it took about 30 minutes altogether. The team was very efficient. It was like in a movie, and the thermographic camera looks cool. I hear it sometimes can take an hour. Factor this into your travel schedule.
Currently flights from other countries do not get a similar on-board inspection, but you are supposed to fill out the questionnaire. Have your hotel information handy.
So far, University of Tokyo has not implemented any travel restrictions or requirements to stay away from work.
- About New Influenza (Univ. of Tokyo)
Note, however, that other institutions (e.g. Kyoto, Nagoya, KEK) have implemented a policy that anybody arriving from countries which have confirmed cases are not allowed to come to work for 5-10 days after the arrival. If you are combining trips to other places, make sure of their policies.
It is possible that the Japanese government decides to take even stricter measure in the near future. In the worst possible situation, we may be required to cancel meetings, keep people away from the campus for a certain number of days, or the University may be shut down. We all hope such extreme measures will not be taken, but beware of the possibility. Once there is a major development, we will contact you as soon as possible. We also keep our homepage up to date concerning policies by the University of Tokyo.
You will find many people wearing masks in Japan. Don't be alarmed or offended. There are always those with masks even without the new flu. It is just a different practice; people wear masks even when they have minor cold to protect themselves and others.
If you have any further questions, please contact Internetional Relations Section at
- international _at_ ipmu.jp
(Please replace _at_ with @ )
I wish you a pleasant journey, and we look forward to your arrival.
Best Regards,
Hitoshi Murayama
Director, Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe, University of Tokyo