Dear brothers and sisters in the Archdiocese of Tokyo:

Re: ON THE EXTENSION OF THE STATE OF EMERGENCY

The government has decided to extend the state of emergency for two more weeks which had been set to end on March 7. Although it is gradually improving, the COVID-19 situation remains unstable and it is important that we continue to act with caution.

In facing the current COVID-19 situation, the Archdiocese of Tokyo has made a commitment that “we will not be infected, nor will we allow others to be infected.” Thus, we have implemented various precautionary measures and have taken seriously our responsibility to protect the lives of one another as we prevent the spread of infection to protect not only our own lives but also the lives of others. To date, we have received reports of several parishioners who have died due to COVID-19 and of priests and parishioners infected by the coronavirus, but none of them have been reported as originating from Church activities.

With the extension of the state of emergency, we will continue to implement the precautionary measures provided in the document released on 7^th January this year entitled “Re: ADVISORY AFTER THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT’S RE-DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY ”

Regarding the observance of the Holy Week which begins on 28^th March, we are confident that at this moment can have it as scheduled.

However, please understand that there will be various special changes and restrictions in the liturgy such as omitting processions and the washing of the feet. Concerning these matters, kindly follow the instructions of your parish priest who is responsible for the liturgy in the parish.

Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, SVD
Archbishop of Tokyo