TOKYO -- Young children in Japan made 20% fewer doctor visits last year. Some experts credit widespread mask-wearing but others say many parents kept their children away from hospitals out of fear they would not be able to work if their kids contract the novel coronavirus.
Outpatient visits to hospitals by children younger than 10 fell more than 20% in Japan in 2021 as parents feared economic repercussions.
Datawatch
COVID keeps kids in Japan away from doctors as families struggle
Children's medical visits fall 20% as parents opt not to skip work
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