Japan looks to ease calls for people to wear masks in stages

TOKYO -- Economic revitalization minister Daishiro Yamagiwa has hinted that Japan will look to ease the recommendation for people to wear masks to prevent coronavirus infections.

During a talk show aired by public broadcaster NHK on April 24, Yamagiwa stated, "It's true that people do not have to wear masks when they are outdoors."

He continued, "The number of new COVID-19 cases has significantly dropped, and I'd like to create a situation where people can ignore the risks of being infected when they spend time in a normal manner. In that kind of situation, people will no longer need to wear masks."

However, he pointed out that, "Before reaching that level, there will be fairly diverse phases." Citing the relaxation of advisories to wear masks outdoors as an example, the minister argued, "It would be realistic to gradually ease the recommendation for wearing masks while accumulating scientific evidence and increasing case examples where masks are no longer necessary."

With regard to Japan's upcoming "Golden Week" extended holiday from late April to early May, Yamagiwa stated, "I would like people to enjoy the holiday as usual while taking the minimum necessary precautions against infections, without letting their guard down," suggesting once again that no measures to restrict people's movements across the country are necessary.

(Japanese original by Tsumuki Nakamura, Political News Department)