``Wearing a mask is left to individual judgment''
In response to the government's policy on March 13 and beyond, industry groups such as restaurants, offices, karaoke, and movie theaters are considering revising their guidelines.
While there are still voices of anxiety about infection, there are some who are worried about what kind of rules to follow.
Four industries reviewed guidelines
Regarding the wearing of masks, the government decided to leave it to individual judgment regardless of whether it is indoors or outdoors from March 13, and is urging each industry group to review the guidelines.
In response to this, of the 195 guidelines for each industry indicated by the government, four industries
, ▽ office
, manufacturing business
, private certification test
, and game center
, have announced revised guidelines by the 23rd ( effective March 13).
In the four industries, while maintaining infection control measures such as ventilation, we have deleted the description "Thoroughly wear a mask" and added a new description such as "It is not necessary to call for wearing a mask."
In addition, ▽ Cram schools, inns, hotels, wedding halls, movie theaters, classical music performances, etc. We are considering reviewing and issuing a new notice to member stores.
in the game center industry
Until now, the Japan Amusement Industry Association, which includes game centers nationwide, has set guidelines requiring that users wear masks except when they are not talking.
However, in response to government policy, the guidelines were reviewed, and from March 13, it was clearly stated that it is not necessary to ask users to wear them.
The association believes that although users of games that involve vigorous exercise are welcomed, there are a certain number of users who want to continue wearing masks, so they carefully explain so that they can be comfortable with or without masks. I want to continue
Yo Kikuchi, secretary-general of the Japan Amusement Industry Association, said, "We were grateful that the government showed a policy of respecting individual judgment. We quickly revised the guidelines so that stores can fully respond to the change from next month 13." I was talking to
At one of our member stores, a game center in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, we will remove posters calling for wearing masks after March 13.
Kazuki Uchiyama, the store manager, said, "I hope that the situation will return to the pre-corona situation, where customers enjoyed talking freely without wearing masks."
A male customer at the store said, ``I often play drum games, but I'm looking forward to it because I felt the mask was suffocating.''
in the aircraft
Regarding the wearing of masks in aircraft, the industry group "Scheduled Airlines Association" has said from March 13 that "passengers, employees and individuals will decide".
The government has indicated that it will allow people to remove their masks from March 13 onwards on aircraft, bullet trains, express buses, etc., where most of the passengers can be seated. and
On top of that, ``We will continue to make preparations such as revising the guidelines that have requested passengers to wear masks, and will continue to make efforts so that customers can use them with peace of mind.'' .
Looking for a way to call out at the movie theater
Some industries are looking for new ways to call out in response to concerns about infection.
Until now, the "Zenkoren = National Federation of Entertainment and Life Sanitation Associations", which is created at movie theaters nationwide, has decided to refuse admission to users who do not wear masks.
However, in response to the government's policy, we are reviewing the guidelines, and we are considering not asking people to wear masks and refusing admission.
However, so far, some visitors have said, ``I'm worried that the person next to me is wearing a mask,'' so I'm worried that if we make a major overhaul, anxiety will spread.
Therefore, Zenkoren considers using advertisements before screenings and calling for "cough etiquette" to cover the mouth and nose with a handkerchief or the sleeve of the jacket when coughing or sneezing as one of the manners. I'm here.
We will continue to take measures such as ventilation and disinfection for the time being.
Shinichi Sasaki, chairman of the National Federation of Entertainment and Life Health Trade Associations, said, "There are people who are worried about infection, so I would like to create a safe and secure environment by continuing to take measures other than masks."
Sometimes I can't decide what to do
On the other hand, there are some who are undecided about the response due to concerns about the risk of infection and voices of anxiety.
Until now, the "Japan Karaoke Box Association Federation", which is a member of karaoke shops nationwide, has established guidelines to recommend wearing masks except when singing or eating at intervals of 2 meters or more.
In response to the government's policy, there have been multiple inquiries from member stores about whether to relax, but since they have been subject to requests for leave so far, they will make a careful decision, including whether to review it. I want to
Nobuo Nakama, Chairman of the Japan Karaoke Box Association Federation, said, "For the past three years, we have been operating while struggling, so we have to be cautious about revising. We are working hard to be able to sing freely while taking various measures to prevent infection. I will continue."
The boat race industry has many elderly visitors, and many people cheer loudly, so they are consulting with the government to continue to recommend wearing masks.
In addition, several industries are "under consideration" including policies.
Ultimately, decisions are made by individual companies and stores.
All groups, including the industry that decided on the policy, say, ``In the end, it will be the decision of each company and store.''
Towards March 13th, the government will thoroughly disseminate information to prevent confusion at the site.
Expert "Guideline to support individual judgment"
Professor Kazuya Nakayauchi of Doshisha University, who studies changes in people's awareness of the coronavirus pandemic, said, "From now on, there will be more opportunities to make decisions on our own about how to respond to the coronavirus crisis. Not wearing a mask is uneasy. There may be cases where people feel uncomfortable with each other for a while by being in the same place with people who say they're okay."
On top of that, regarding the trends in each industry's guidelines...
"In this kind of situation, the risk is high, and in this kind of situation, there is no need to be so nervous. Each industry provides information that allows individual judgment. It is desirable to provide support, and it is necessary to build an environment that makes it easy for individuals to make decisions that they feel are appropriate."