World Wood Day Nixed by Virus

Scheduled for March in Tokyo ‘world wood da y’ cel ebration nixed over coronavirus fear

Many international events and conferences in Asia are being cancelled or relocated, due to the Novel Coronavirus (CoV) outbreak in China. At the time of publication, the illness has, reportedly, infected 70,000, approaching two thousand deaths. Cases have been identified worldwide, mainly in those who traveled through the infected Chinese region. Health officials warn that, if not contained, this virus could result in a pandemic.

Among the event casualties is the World Wood Day festivities, scheduled March 17-22 in Tokyo, Japan. This event, which draws hundreds of participants and spectators from around the world, annually celebrates all forms of wood art, from craftsmanship to musical performance on wood instruments. Given the uncertainty of the future, the organizers initially thought it prudent to eliminate international participation, but on reflection, felt a solely Japanese event would come short of meeting its high ideals. So reluctantly, the decision was made to cancel the entire festival.

A large contingent from the United States was expected. The studio furnituremakers, lead by Wendy Mariyama, was composed of a dozen Americans, with a number of Americans involved in the woodturning and education components. In addition, there were many from the U.S. who were using WWD as an excuse to visit Japan, with extended trips to other parts of the country. SITU ATION IN JAPAN At the time of publication, there were 3-dozen identified coronavirus cases in Japan, excluding the passengers on the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship docked at Yokohama. The government has increased efforts to prevent spread of the disease and strengthened border controls, including restrictions on Chinese nationals and visitors to the infected area. With hosting the Olympics this summer, $140 million is being allocated in emergency measures, including the availability of over 600 million masks. WHATIS A TR AVE LER TO DO Given many planning to attend WWD had non-refundable tickets and prepaid expenses, it is a quandary whether to

cancel their trip or travel. It is questionable if travel insurance, which had to be purchased near the time that the trip was booked, would cover cancellation for “fear.” Some standard policies exclude coverage for losses caused directly or indirectly by epidemics, and all would exclude tickets purchased after Jan. 22, when the epidemic became a “known event”—even the expensive “cancel anytime” insurance.

For those who decide to embark, the best course is to take the same precautions that one should take during any flu season: frequently wash hands before touching mouth, nose or eyes. As masks do not directly prevent the virus (as the health inspector on the cruise ship discovered), its best benefit is to limit the touching of nose and mouth.

If you don’t already have travel insurance, there are two companies that offer

insurance to foreign visitors upon arrival in Japan, including medical facilities, interpretation with the doctor, and cashless medical services. Policies can be purchased at the websites of Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance Inc. and Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.

The Japanese Tourist Agency (JNTO) offers a downloadable smartphone app at: www.jnto.go.jp/smartapp/eng/about. html—which provides up-to-date information for safe and comfortable traveling in Japan—and a website for medical guidance: www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/eng/ mi_guide.html/. They also operate a 24- hour visitor hotline for tourist information or assistance in the case of accidents and emergencies, including Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): in Japan, 050-3816-2787; from Overseas, +81-50-3816-2787. If you go, just be safe.