The Minister of Health, Labor, and Welfare - Kato, has stated that the government's rule of "in principle, people do not need to wear masks outdoors " has yet to be shared with the public, which he intends to communicate through a variety of opportunities.
With regards to the wearing of masks as a prevention to the new Coronavirus, the government has stated that, in principle, people do not have to wear masks outdoors and even indoors if people are about 2 meters apart from one another and there is little conversation.
At a press conference following the Cabinet meeting, the Minister of Health, Labor, and Welfare Kato said: “It is difficult to say that the public has fully embraced the government’s ideas on masking.”
He added: “I have heard many locals saying ‘Taking off your mask would attract the eyes of the public.’ It is completely fine if people want to wear masks, but we must also seize the opportunity to publicize the fact that there are situations in which it is not necessary to wear masks as well.”
