As reported by the media, a state of emergency has been declared for the three prefectures in the Kansai Area and the Tokyo Metropolitan Area from April 25th to May 11th.
Soka University is currently conducting in-person classes, but at the request of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, we will raise the university's activity restriction policy during the declaration of a state of emergency to “Level 3 (Medium-scale Restriction)” for all activity categories other than “Classes,” which will be raised to “Level 2 (Small-scale Restriction).”
Please be aware that, since the declaration period is limited to about 3 weeks and measures are to be taken intensively, we plan to set activity restrictions such as conducting classes at "Level 1.5 (Partial Restriction)” from May 12 when the declaration is lifted.
If the national or metropolitan government changes the measures due to the infection situation, the University will also adapt the activity restriction policy accordingly. We ask for your understanding and request you to check the university website and student portal site (PLAS) for updates.

During the period of the state of emergency, the university's activity restriction policy will be as follows.
[Activity restriction policy from April 25th to May 11th]
●“Classes” will be changed to Level 2 (Small-scale Restriction).
● Other activity categories to be changed to Level 3 (Medium-scale Restriction).
* Details of facility use, etc. will be posted on the student portal site PLAS and each facility website.

Regarding the following four categories, based on level 2 (Small-scale Restriction) restrictions applicable to classes, the scope of action will be revised as follows.

Category	Level	Scope of Activities
Classes	2	Classes are conducted online. For some experiments, practicum courses, seminars, and lecture subjects, in-person classes will be conducted with the utmost attention to prevent infection.
Use of Facilities	3	In principle, not available. Use of facilities related to classes and research is allowed.
Entry on Campus for Students	3	In principle, entry to campus is prohibited. Those who need to enter the campus for classes, research, or any other purpose that is permitted by the office are allowed to enter. Should there be any extenuating circumstances, approval is needed in advance.
Staff Work Schedule	3	While paying the utmost attention to prevent infection, working from home is recommended and staff will be working on campus in 2 alternating groups. On campus office counter open hours will be shortened and in principle, all consultations are to be conducted via e-mail or telephone.

 

From April 25th to May 11th, including the Golden Week holiday period, we assume many students, faculty and staff have plans. 
As you may know, the declaration of a state of emergency will be issued for a limited time with the aim of avoiding an increase in the number of infected people and most importantly reducing the number of people to transport around town.
Of those cases reported to the University, when analyzing the behaviors of those who have been infected, “extra-curricular activities and/or coming in close contact before and after those activities,” ”eating and drinking with friends,” and “staying over at a friend's house” tend to be common.
Even during the Golden Week holiday period, we ask you to take actions to prevent infection such as to refrain from travelling unnecessarily and to take into careful consideration going back to your home town.

Category	Level	Scope of Activities
Classes	2	Classes are conducted online. For some experiments, practicum courses, seminars, and lecture subjects, in-person classes will be conducted with the utmost attention to prevent infection. *The percentage of in-person classes conducted on campus will be reduced to about 40%. Classes that will be changed to online classes will be announced to students by the instructor through the student portal site (PLAS) by the day before. Please be sure to check the portal site for details.
Research Activities	3	In principle, business trips are prohibited. Participating in or holding a research meeting such as an academic conference is prohibited.  In principle, research activities are to be conducted from home. Only those who obtain permission from the university President, Faculty Dean, or Graduate School Dean for the purpose of continuing an ongoing experiment or study are allowed to enter the campus. Only a minimal number of persons related to the research can enter. Research personnel shall endeavor to reduce the time spent in the laboratory.
Use of Facilities	3	In principle, not available. Not available except for the use of facilities only related to classes and research is allowed.
Entry on Campus for Students etc.	3	In principle, entry to campus is prohibited. Those who need to enter the campus for classes, research, or any other purpose that is permitted by the office are allowed to enter. Should there be any extenuating circumstances, approval is needed in advance.
Extra-curricular Activities	3	In principle, extra-curricular activities are prohibited. However, if approved by the Student Affairs Office or the Executive Director for University Administration due to special circumstances, activities may be held with the utmost attention to prevent infection.
University Related Meetings	3	In-person meetings should be minimized, holding meetings online as much as possible.
Staff Work Schedule	3	While paying the utmost attention to prevent infection, working from home is recommended and staff will be working on campus in 2 alternating groups. On campus office counter open hours will be shortened and in principle, all consultations are to be conducted via e-mail or telephone.

For the full version of the Soka University Activity Restriction Policy, please click on the link below.

For students, faculty, and staff please take the neccessary actions provided in the Soka University Guidelines for the Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreaks.