No need for masks with 2-meter distancing outdoors

Jiji Press

17:05 JST, May 12, 2022

TOKYO (Jiji Press) — The government advises people to take off their COVID-19 face masks outdoors if they are 2 meters or more away from others, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said Thursday.

Wearing masks on hot and humid days raises the risk of heatstroke, the top government spokesman told a press conference, while noting the importance of using masks as a measure to prevent novel coronavirus infection.

Regarding a review of how masks should be used, Matsuno said, “We will consider the matter by collecting opinions from experts and taking into account the infection situation and the characteristics of the virus.”