MGSF01: EMBASSY TOKYO EAC MEETING ON H1N1

C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 001026 SIPDIS DEPT ALSO FOR AMBASSADOR LOFTIS DEPT FOR DS, EAP/J, EAP/EX, CA, AND OES/IHB USDA PASS TO APHIS HHS PASS TO CDC HHS FOR OGHA DEPT PASS TO AID/GH/HIDN E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/01/2019 TAGS: KFLU AEMR ASEC CASC AMGT TBIO KSAF KPAO KFLO PREL, PINR, MG, SOCI, JA SUBJECT: MGSF01: EMBASSY TOKYO EAC MEETING ON H1N1 PREPAREDNESS REF: A. STATE 41768 ¶B. STATE 42349 ¶C. STATE 43249 Classified By: Charge D'Affaires James P. Zumwalt; Reasons 1.4 (b),(d) ¶1. (SBU) The Charge d'Affaires chaired a May 1 meeting of the Embassy's Emergency Action Committee (EAC) to review Mission pandemic tripwires and current actions in accordance with guidance in refs A, B, and C and to consider Post's next steps should the H1N1 virus reach Japan. U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) medical and public affairs officers also attended the EAC meeting. Current Actions -------------- ¶2. (C) The EAC reviewed efforts by Consular, Management, and Public Affairs Sections to make available H1N1 and pandemic preparedness information to official and non-official Americans in Japan and to ensure messages correspond with guidance in refs A and C and respect the "no double-standard" policy. Post's website includes links to USG, WHO, and Japanese pandemic information sources. The monthly ACS electronic newsletter sent May 1 includes appropriate links as well as the latest information about health screening procedures at Japan's airports. Consular officers reported few inquiries on H1N1 from American citizens in, or traveling to, Japan. Post is establishing lines of communication with GOJ officials about procedures for and contact with American citizens, including Federal Air Marshals, who may be subject to quarantine under Japan's enhanced health screening at ports of entry. ¶3. (C) The Embassy sent a Management Notice to all Mission staff April 29 containing publicly available information on preparing for a pandemic and sheltering in place. Similar guidance has been forwarded to Tokyo-area international schools. Post will send updates via the Embassy's web-based email listserve and plans to broadcast information via the Embassy's television channel in order to keep the Embassy community informed of H1N1-related developments over the Japanese Golden Week holiday. (Note: The Embassy will be closed for business May 2-6 and will reopen for normal operations May 7. End Note). ¶4. (C) The EAC confirmed Post has adequate stocks of antiviral medications and personal protective equipment, including masks. The Management Section has increased supplies of hand sanitizer and has reviewed cleaning and hygiene procedures with janitorial and cafeteria staff. Possible Actions Should H1N1 Reach Japan -------------- ¶5. (C) The EAC decided Post will send a warden message should there be multiple confirmed H1N1 cases in Japan and/or the GOJ steps up its pandemic-related measures. Post has prepared a draft warden message ready to disseminate in such a case. In the event of significant H1N1 developments over the Golden Week holiday period, the Charge will call an emergency meeting for the residents of the Embassy Housing Compound and plan a Town Hall meeting with all Embassy staff for the next business day, May 7. Should clusters of H1N1 appear in Japan, Post will consider making available masks for staff with frequent public contact, limiting or screening public access to the Embassy, restricting official travel from/to Post, and instituting a liberal leave policy. ZUMWALT