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Swine Flu: Matsue city sends 770.908 face masks to citizens

22 May 2009 No Comment
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Matsue city, Shimane prefecture, Japan, 22 May 2009.

In a move to pre-empt the inevitable panic and run on face masks the recently formed Matsue-shi Shingata Infuruenza Taisaku Honbu (roughly translated as the “Matsue City Anti Swine Flu Headquarters) has sent all citizens of Matsue envelopes containing not one, not two, not three, but four disposable face masks!

Why worry about how to panic if your locally elected officials can do it for you?

In case you’re wondering, with a total population of 192.727 this means a grand total of 770.908 face masks have been distributed.

Printed in red ink on the envelope is the following text (in Japanese):
“It is of vital importance that you read the instructions on how to use the masks!”

Sparing no effort the Anti Swine Flu Headquarters made sure that all 1060 foreigners living in Matsue received their instructions on how to use the mask also in English, Mandarin and Korean.

The instructions are as follows:

Regarding the distribution of face masks to prevent Swine Influenza infection,

  • If you are coughing or sneezing, please use a face mask.
  • Place the part with the wire running through it on your nose and spread the mask from your nose to the bottom of your chin.
  • The masks are only supposed to be used once and then disposed.
  • A helpful photo is also included.

    How to wear the mask:

    P1760044.JPG

    Despite the widespread distribution of masks as of the 22nd of May the general population of Matsue appeared to be going about their daily business largely maskless.

    In supermarkets and pharmacies around the city however notices were put up saying that all face masks had been sold out.
    I can’t help but wonder if Matsue city hall bought all of them?

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