Coronavirus Relief Aid Distribution & Support

Another surge of COVID-19 cases gained momentum in Japan starting late October. This third wave saw record high numbers of confirmed cases with broad cluster infections across the country, and infections in large cities peaking.

Throughout the pandemic, Civic Force has stood with our partners in combating COVID-19, providing supplies to medical and welfare facilities and supporting battered communities. In anticipation of this third wave, the ARROWS (Airborne Rescue and Relief Operations With Search) team made advance preparations to deploy to areas in need of assistance. As a member of ARROWS, Civic Force remains active in emergency response and contributed to this particular struggle.

Medical Assistance for COVID-19 Affected Hospitals in Hiroshima

In mid-December, a series of in-facility COVID-19 outbreaks were reported at medical facilities in Hiroshima Prefecture. Hiroshima became the country's fourth highest prefecture with new cases per population. ARROWS received requests for assistance from many medical facilities.

At one of the medical facilities, two ARROWS doctors directed zoning floors based on risk levels and demonstrated how to wear and take off personal protective equipment. The team also assisted the frontline doctors and nurses in their work. Non-medical ARROWS staff were also deployed to the sites. Our coordinators assisted with zoning, cleaning, and sterilizing the facilities.

Tents Leased to Hospital in Kagoshima

On January 21, ARROWS provided an emergency tent to Yonemori Hospital in Kagoshima and a trailer to a hospital in Saga the following day.

"We are going to use the tent as a waiting space for outpatients. We were using a bus parked outside before but it was too cold inside the and aisle was narrow. The tent is going to be very useful," said a hospital staff member.

ARROWS has leased tents and trailers to hospitals in West Japan and Kyushu for fever clinics. As a prevention measure against in-facility infection, the equipment is leased out upon request from hospitals with partnership agreements. Based on the situation, portable X-rays and air purifiers are available as well and ARROWS supervises the transportation and installation of the equipment as necessary. The hospital proclaimed, "ARROWS assistance is crucial to protect the community's medical system."

Thank You

Civic Force will continue to provide assistance to communities in need against COVID-19. We thank our supporters for their generous donations and we look to you for encouragement while we work. Thank you!