The True Story: A New Advisory After the Long Holiday

The Star, citing Japanese media, reported on 29 January 2026 that the Tokyo metropolitan government issued a new influenza advisory after suspected cases at schools and social welfare facilities topped 6,000, with 13.83 patients per medical institution for 19–25 January, above the advisory threshold of 10.

Officials believed year-end and New Year travel and schools reopening contributed, and it was the first time since 2008–2009 that a new advisory followed a lifted warning in the same season. Tokyo urged residents to wash hands often, disinfect and wear masks.

The Key Lesson: Children from Many Schools Gather After Class

Thai after-school care and homework centres take children from many schools until parents finish work. Points to watch are:

• Children from many schools bringing viruses together
• Homework rooms with long shared tables
• Snacks and cups handed out together
• Children who fall ill before parents can collect them
• School pick-up vans with close seating

How Flu Spreads

According to the World Health Organization, seasonal influenza spreads easily where people gather, such as schools and nursing homes. It spreads through droplets when people cough or sneeze, and through hands that touch contaminated surfaces and then the eyes, nose or mouth. Most people recover within a week, but young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic illness are at risk of severe disease. Influenza is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate.

Risk Register for After-School Care Centres

1. Sick children wait with others: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: separate rest corner and call parents at once. Owner: centre teacher
2. Shared homework tables: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe tables daily before children arrive. Owner: centre teacher
3. Cups and snacks shared: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: personal cups for every child. Owner: centre teacher
4. Crowded pick-up vans: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe handrails every trip. Owner: driver
5. Centre not disinfected after long holidays: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: fog and ozone-treat before reopening. Owner: owner

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk in After-School Care Centres

1. Check temperature on arrival
2. Wash hands before homework and snacks
3. Set up a separate rest corner for sick children
4. Use personal cups
5. Wipe tables daily
6. Wipe van handrails every trip
7. Fog and ozone-treat before reopening after holidays

How ULV Disinfection Fogging Helps

The World Health Disinfection disinfection service uses ULV fogging machines that turn the disinfectant into a fine mist. It settles across the whole area, including corners, curtains, upholstery and surfaces that hand wiping cannot reach.

• Whole-area coverage without relying on wiping spot by spot
• Quick return to use, typically about 30 minutes after fogging
• Uses Chemgene HLD4H, which meets EN 14476 for virucidal activity according to the product page
• The team wears full protective equipment, so owners and staff do not take the risk themselves
• Report and photos after the job for customers, management or authorities
• Tax invoice with 3% withholding tax for companies and agencies

Ozone Treatment for Closed Rooms and Stuffy Spaces

The World Health Disinfection ozone treatment service uses machines that generate ozone gas from oxygen in the air. It suits closed rooms such as meeting rooms, bedrooms, classrooms, sick bays and vans, helping reduce germs in the air and on surfaces and removing stale odours. Ozone breaks back down into oxygen after treatment, leaving no residue.

• Works alongside disinfection fogging: spray or wipe surfaces first, then use ozone for the air and corners of closed rooms
• No people or pets in the room during treatment: the team seals the room and runs a timer
• Ventilate after treatment before normal use resumes
• Machines tested by Intertek, according to WHD's service page
• Ideal after someone has been ill, such as recovered patients' rooms, shared bedrooms and shuttle vans

Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Tokyo issue a new advisory? A: Suspected cases at schools and welfare facilities topped 6,000, with 13.83 per institution, above the 10 threshold.

Q: What drove the post-New Year rise? A: Officials linked it to year-end travel and schools reopening.

Q: Does the fogging disinfectant work on flu? A: The team uses Chemgene HLD4H, which meets EN 14476 for virucidal activity according to the product page, and influenza is an enveloped virus that suitable disinfectants can inactivate. Fogging does not replace vaccination or handwashing.

Q: Can I enter the room right after ozone treatment? A: No one should be in the room during treatment. Ventilate afterwards before normal use; the team will advise the right time for the room size.

Q: Can childcare centres get a tax invoice? A: Yes. Tax invoices are issued and 3% withholding tax is supported. Call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Related Links and Sources

• World Health Disinfection disinfection service
• World Health Disinfection ozone treatment service
• Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant and price
• Influenza information from Thailand's Department of Disease Control, hotline 1422
• WHO seasonal influenza fact sheet

Prevent Flu with Disinfection Fogging and Ozone Treatment

The real news from Tokyo shows flu can return after long holidays. Prepared after-school centres let parents work with peace of mind. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for homework rooms, play rooms and vans, and the ozone treatment service for classrooms and rest corners after closing. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268