“If you have less conversation outdoors, you don't need a mask” Expert meeting member

Members of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's expert meeting talked about wearing masks as a countermeasure against the new coronavirus, even when they are moving outdoors, even if they are not sufficiently close to the people around them. I have summarized the idea that it is not necessary to wear it if it is small.

According to the idea summarized by the members of the expert meeting of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, wearing a mask should have little or little conversation around, such as when moving on foot, even if the distance to people is not sufficient outdoors. For example, "it is not always necessary".

On the other hand, in addition to wearing it when traveling by public transportation, which is used by many people, we also bring a mask when there are crowds and conversations outdoors, and we wear it when talking.

Until now, it has been said that masks are not necessary if you are close enough to the people around you outdoors, but experts have now revisited the outdoors before the summer when the risk of heat stroke increases. I summarized the way of thinking about wearing a mask in.

In addition, due to the expansion of the highly infectious Omicron strain, the long-term measures for wearing masks for children aged 2 years or older before entering elementary school, which was recommended from February, will have an impact on growth and enthusiasm. He pointed out that the risk of illness is also a concern, "it is time to consider returning to the conventional response that does not require uniform wear."

However, even for these children, if there are infected people in the facility or if there are multiple children who are in poor physical condition, it is possible to temporarily ask them to wear a mask.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno "Listen to and consider the scientific opinions of experts"

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno said at a press conference in the morning, "If you can get enough distance from people, you don't necessarily need to wear a mask outdoors. Especially when the temperature and humidity are high, the risk of heat stroke increases. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the mask when the distance to people outdoors is at least 2 meters. We will continue to make efforts to publicize and publicize these points in various situations. " Said.

After that, "I will make an effort to confirm the infection situation after the Golden Week holidays and make it as close to normal times as possible. As one of the issues of various infection control measures for masks, I will listen to the scientific opinions of experts and consider it. I want to do it. "