Japan Lowers Level of Classification of COVID-19 to Seasonal Disease

Japan announced that it will reduce the level of classification of the emerging coronavirus (known also as COVID-19), starting today, Monday, to be in the same group as seasonal influenza. 

And the Japanese broadcaster, NHK, stated that the new situation means that the government will no longer legally restrict the movement of citizens in order to prevent the spread of infection and that people will be allowed to make some decisions themselves.

And the news channel indicated that under the new classification, vaccinations against (COVID-19) will continue for free during the current fiscal year, as the infection may continue to spread.

The Ministry of Health in Japan also recommended that people stay in their homes for five days after contracting the virus.

And last February, the Japanese government announced its intention to allow citizens not to wear face masks in closed areas, as of March 13

And the Japanese Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) stated that the government decided to allow citizens to make their own decision to wear face masks or not, whether in open or closed areas, but it recommends wearing masks when visiting a doctor or using crowded transportation.