About the idea of ​​wearing a mask

An administrative communication from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare dated February 10, 2020 indicates a policy to review the concept of wearing masks as a countermeasure against the new coronavirus.
From March 13, 2020, it will be basic to respect the independent choices of individuals and leave the decision to wear a mask to the discretion of the individual . Please be careful not to force a person to put on or take off a mask against their will.
Also, until March 12, 2020, please continue to wear and remove masks appropriately depending on the situation.
　
◆ Reference: Administrative communication dated February 10, 2020 Regarding the review of the concept of wearing masks, etc. (PDF: 245KB)
◆Reference Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare homepage “About wearing masks” (external link)

Situations where wearing it is effective

To prevent infection to those at high risk of becoming seriously ill, such as the elderly, we recommend wearing a mask in the following situations.

• When visiting a medical institution
• When visiting medical institutions, elderly facilities, etc. where many elderly people and other people at high risk of becoming seriously ill are hospitalized or live.
• When riding on a crowded train or bus (Note), such as during rush hours (for the time being)

(Note) Excludes trains where almost everyone can be seated (Shinkansen, commuter liners, express buses, chartered buses, etc.).
　　
In addition, for people who are at high risk of becoming seriously ill during the COVID-19 pandemic, wearing a mask is an effective measure to protect themselves from infection when going to crowded places .

If you have symptoms

If you have symptoms, have tested positive for the new coronavirus, or have a family member who lives with you who has tested positive, please refrain from going out to prevent the spread of infection to those around you. If you have to go out for a hospital visit, etc., please avoid crowds and wear a mask.

Responses for medical institutions, elderly care facilities, etc.

We recommend that workers at medical institutions and elderly care facilities, where many elderly people and other people at high risk of developing severe illness are hospitalized or live, wear masks while working.

Responses by business operators

While wearing a mask is a personal decision, it is permissible for businesses to ask users or employees to wear a mask for infection control or business reasons.

Things to keep in mind

As for children, it is important to take care so as not to hinder their healthy growth and development.
In addition, if the infection is spreading significantly, stronger infection control measures may be required, such as a temporary call for widespread use of appropriate masks depending on the situation. However, even in such cases, there are concerns about the health effects of children wearing masks, so we ask parents and adults around them to continue to pay close attention to the physical condition of each child.