The lab translated guidance on how to apply the Sphere Standards to COVID-19 response into Japanese, adding notes where the Japanese context called for them. The guidance identifies the relevant parts of the Sphere Handbook. We hope it will interest people with and without prior Sphere training.
The article highlights three principles:
- Treat people as people, with dignity, in every situation. No one should be harassed or stigmatized because they are infected or have been tested.
- Community participation is essential. School closures affect society as a whole. Communities can help protect children by supporting families with children and sharing the work of the response.
- When working to slow the spread of the virus, continue to attend to other needs of affected people, including long-term health care.
The guidance also emphasizes continuing self-care for existing chronic conditions during the COVID-19 response.