Japan looks to start coronavirus antibody tests this month

Experts have called for the move, which lags Western countries

20200417N Corona antibody test

An antibody test, shown here in Germany, can identify people who may not even know they had been infected with the new coronavirus. © AP

RINTARO TOBITA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japan will begin conducting antibody tests for cases of coronavirus infection as early as this month, the country's health minister announced Friday, saying he hoped the move would help combat the outbreak more effectively.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has yet to determine where or to what extent the tests will be administered.

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