The Japanese government is considering changing the country’s COVID-19 status to seasonal influenza. The health ministry was tasked by Japan’s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida to examine the effects of loosening COVID-related regulations.
Japan’s President To Downgrade COVID Status
According to Japan’s PM Fumio Kishida, the country is thinking about reclassifying its COVID-19 regulations. Despite dealing with a high number of COVID cases on a daily basis, it will be under the same umbrella as seasonal influenza.
A large number of COVID-19 cases in Japan have been reported in the nation, placing COVID on par with avian influenza and tuberculosis as second-rank diseases. The President stated that the country would gradually create a shift in the various policies and measures in place to further the efforts of “living with Corona” and return normalcy to Japan.
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The Status Change Will Affect Travellers
COVID-19 will officially be downgraded from the more serious Class 2 classification to the Class 5 classification, which includes the flu. In the past, Japan has stated that if the COVID-19 classification was lowered, it would ease its advice against wearing masks indoors.
With these changes in process, there will definitely be an effect on travelling as well.
Here is a brief summary of what to expect once the changes are in place:
- There will no longer be a need to isolate and quarantine COVID-19-infected individuals.
- Additionally, those in close contact with infected individuals won’t need to be isolated.
- If COVID-19 infections increase, the government will no longer be able to declare a state of emergency.
- No push will be made for restaurants and bars to operate with fewer hours or close.
- Treatment of patients with COVID-19 infection will be permitted in more hospitals and clinics.
- Face mask use will no longer be required and will be up to personal discretion.
- Border restrictions will probably become even more relaxed.
These changes are important for the country and for people around the world who are planning to visit Japan. There will be considerable relaxation when it comes to quarantine and practising social distancing.
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