From the 13th, it will be up to the individual to decide whether to wear a mask as a countermeasure against the new coronavirus.

On the other hand, in order to prevent the elderly from being infected, it is recommended to wear it when visiting a medical institution, etc., and the government is carefully disseminating it by using SNS and TV commercials so as not to cause confusion. It is a policy to continue.

Before the position of the new corona under the Infectious Diseases Law will shift to "5", the same as seasonal influenza, etc. on May 8, the government will entrust the wearing of masks to individuals from the 13th.



On the other hand, in order to prevent infection among elderly people who are at high risk of becoming seriously ill, it is recommended that they continue to be worn when going to a medical institution or riding a crowded train or bus during commuter rush hours. .



In line with the review of mask wearing, each industry has revised its guidelines for preventing infection, and about 80% of industries have decided to leave mask wearing to the discretion of the business operator.



Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Kato said, ``Whether or not to wear a mask is an individual decision.'' It is our policy to keep you informed.

Haneda Airport “Wear a mask” poster removed

An airline industry group has revised the guidelines for new corona countermeasures based on government policy, and has reviewed the wearing of masks by passengers, flight attendants, and other employees to "basically leave it to individual judgment." rice field.



In response to this, on the night of the 12th, at Haneda Airport, the posters calling for wearing masks that had been posted in the departure lobby and near the boarding gate have been removed.



So far, ANA has posted posters in about 30 locations in the airport calling for people to wear masks, but from now on, it will be left to individual judgment both at the airport and on the plane.



In addition, we will gradually remove the partitions that have been installed at airport counters to prevent flying.



Kotaro Hisazawa, General Manager of ANA's CX Strategy Department, said, "I don't think everyone will suddenly take off their masks, but I think that individual decisions will gradually change, but the important thing is to respect the decisions of customers and employees. It is to acknowledge each other by doing so, and I would like to respond as an airline so that there are no troubles."

Review of industry-specific guidelines Many companies “leave it to the discretion of business operators”

Before the 13th, when the wearing of masks is left to the discretion of individuals, the government is calling on each industry group to review the 195 industry-specific guidelines and make them known to the site and users.



According to the Cabinet Office, as of the 10th of this month, 187 guidelines have been reviewed.



Of these, the response that "as an industry group, leave it to the business operator's judgment" is the most common, and there are 153 guidelines such as hotels, professional baseball, and amusement parks.



On the other hand, there are some industries that stipulate uniform handling for business operators. There are 16 guidelines such as professional basketball.



In addition, eight guidelines are ``under consideration for handling within the industry,'' etc., and the Cabinet Office wants you to check the websites of business operators and inquire with event organizers about wearing masks as necessary. and

Situations where wearing a mask is effective

Regarding situations where wearing a mask is effective, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare recommends that it should be used when visiting medical institutions, visiting medical institutions and facilities for the elderly where many people are at high risk of becoming seriously ill, and during rush hours when commuting is crowded. We inform the public through leaflets and other means that there are three situations when boarding a crowded train or bus.



In addition, it is said that wearing a mask is effective for elderly people, underlying diseases such as cancer, and people with a high risk of severe illness, such as pregnant women, when going to crowded places during the epidemic.



On the other hand, those who have symptoms, those who are infected, and those who have an infected family member who live with them should refrain from going out to prevent the spread of infection to others. I'm here.



It also recommends that employees at medical institutions and facilities for the elderly, where many people are at high risk of becoming seriously ill, wear masks while on duty.



The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said, "Since it shows the situations where it is better to wear a mask, we would like you to refer to it and make your own judgment according to the situation."