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

Reclassification would lift quarantine rules, expand care options

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

HANA SLEVIN OHAMA and HIROYUKI AKIYAMA, Nikkei staff writers

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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