Note
height 高さ、高度;
declared a state of emergency 緊急事態を宣言する

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The coronavirus came to Japan in January 2020. By April, there were more than 500 cases a day. The numbers went down to about 30 cases, but they went up to 1,700 cases a day at the height of the second wave. Then the numbers went down to about 500 cases a day. During the third wave, the numbers went up to 7,000 cases a day in January, and the government declared a state of emergency in more than 10 prefectures. The state of emergency is ending today in six prefectures. Are things really better? I think so, but we still need to be very careful not to get the virus. (by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
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Notes
shrine 神社;
New Year’s money お年玉;
rice-cake making event 餅つき大会

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Happy New Year! I hope everyone was able to get some rest and recharge their batteries Was this New Year the same as usual? Some things were the same for me: I went to see the first sunrise and visited a shrine with my family. We had traditional New Year’s food. I sent about 20 New Year’s cards and got back almost the same number. I gave my granddaughter New Year’s money when she visited us on New Year’s Day. But there were no rice-cake making events or countdown parties. We stayed at home alone almost every day. I’m hoping for a better 2021 and an end to the pandemic. (by Prof. Douglas Jarrell)
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