Japan to lift mask-wearing recommendation from March

The Japanese government plans to allow people to make their own choices about wearing face masks to prevent coronavirus infections, beginning in March.

The government currently recommends that masks be worn indoors. It is reviewing the recommendation because the coronavirus will be reclassified to the same category as seasonal influenza from May 8.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio will discuss the timing of the change and other details with health minister Kato Katsunobu and other officials on Friday.

Kishida aims to allow people to make their own decisions about mask-wearing from March, as new infections have been declining nationwide.

The government is expected to formally approve the plan on Friday after seeking expert opinions and obtaining consent from members of the government's coronavirus taskforce.

The health ministry plans to notify the public about situations where masks would be effective, such as when the elderly and others at higher risk of serious illness go to crowded places.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230210_12/