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Japan Cancels Indoor Mask Rules. PHOTOS/Reuters
TOKYO – Government Japan would rescind its recommendation to use masker indoors and lowered his medical classification for Covid-19. This was stated by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Friday (27/1/2023).
The changes are effective from early May and would classify the disease at the same level as the flu, down from its current status of being on a par with tuberculosis and SARS.
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“Regarding masks, regardless of indoors and outdoors, the decision will be left to the individual,” Kishida told a televised government meeting.
“We will take further steps towards ‘living with corona’ and make steady progress towards returning to normalcy in homes, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods and all aspects of life,” he continued.
Masks are ubiquitous in public places and are usually worn outdoors too, although the government has said they are not needed outside, where it is not crowded.
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Even before the pandemic hit in 2020, many people in Japan wore masks when they had a cold or flu or to ward off illness in the cold season.
Opinion polls by major media show that most people will continue to wear masks for public health purposes, even if the government withdraws its request.
South Korea also plans to scrap indoor mask requirements from Monday, while China has relaxed its zero-COVID stance in a sharp policy reversal.
(esn)
