Kishida Instructs Ministers to Consider Lowering COVID Classification
![](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/kishida10294338.jpg)
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks to reporters on Friday at the Prime Minister’s Office.
12:43 JST, January 20, 2023
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Friday made a step toward normalizing social activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic by instructing Cabinet ministers to consider the specifics to lower the classification of COVID-19. Currently, the level of COVID-19 is equivalent to Category II, the second-highest, and its classification could be lowered to Category V, which includes seasonal influenza, around spring.
Kishida also instructed the ministers to review the guidelines on wearing masks.
Lowering the classification of COVID-19 to Category V will mark a major turning point in the government’s efforts to normalize social activities.
The Infectious Diseases Control Law classifies infectious diseases from Category I-V based on their level of risk. There is also a category for “new types of influenza and other infectious diseases,” which includes COVID-19 and is equivalent to Category II.
"Society" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Japan Court OKs Sex Change without Surgery
-
3 Climbers Die On Mt. Fuji Within 2 Days Of Opening; Japan Police, Guides Urge Climbers To Prepare Well, Make Wise Decisions
-
Sex Crime Perpetrators Linked to U.S. Military in 166 Cases in Japan over 35 years; Local, Prefectural Governments Often Not Aware of Crimes
-
New Mt. Fuji Rules Reduce ‘Bullet Climbers’ by 90%; Access to Japan’s Iconic Peak Limited from Yamanashi Pref. Side
-
Tokaido Shinkansen Trains Suspended Between Hamamatsu and Nagoya Due to Accident; Resuming Services Expected Noon at Earliest
JN ACCESS RANKING