In Japan, from the 13th, indoor ‘no mask’ will be implemented.
According to local public NHK and Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei), the Japanese government leaves it up to individual judgment to wear a mask to prevent corona19 infection from this day. However, it was decided to recommend wearing it in medical institutions, etc.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida went to work without a mask at around 8:00 am on the same day at the Prime Minister’s official residence. He told reporters, “We do not force individuals to wear a mask, such as leaving it to personal judgment. I think the number of people taking off their masks will increase,” he said.
Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Katsunobu Kato said at a press conference on the 10th, “We ask that individual independent judgment be respected.”
In other words, from the existing ‘recommended in principle indoors’ to no mask. We seek to normalize socio-economic activities to a higher level.
The wearing of masks at school has also been lifted. Leave it to your own judgement. ‘No mask required’ was already the basic principle at the graduation ceremony. In February, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology announced a notice that, in principle, masks must be removed when entering and exiting graduation ceremonies and when certificates are awarded.
Among public transportation, it is not required to wear it on the high-speed train Shinkansen, express bus, and chartered bus where everyone can sit.
It is now possible to watch Japanese professional football J-League matches without a mask.
However, it is recommended to continue wearing a mask in places where there are many people at high risk of severe disease, such as medical institutions and facilities for the elderly, and in crowded subways and buses when commuting to and from work. In places where there are many elderly people, wearing a mask is effective and recommended.
Department stores, etc., are expected to leave it to each customer’s judgment. Employees are often asked to wear them, Nikkei said.
The Japanese government will lower the classification of Corona 19 under the Infectious Disease Law from May 8th from ‘equivalent to Class 2’ to ‘Class 5’, which is the level of seasonal flu. The removal of the mask takes place prior to this.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.