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Coronavirus

Japan looks to lift indoor mask guidance as part of COVID downgrade

Reclassification would lift quarantine rules, expand care options

Japan currently recommends people wear masks in indoor spaces if they are within speaking distance with each other.   © Reuters

TOKYO -- Japan plans to lift indoor mask recommendations in public places if it reclassifies COVID-19 as a less serious infectious disease, Nikkei has learned.

The government is considering placing COVID-19 in the same category as the seasonal flu. As part of this shift, the guidance for indoor mask wearing will be dropped except for patients with symptoms and other vulnerable populations.

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