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Japan to lower Covid to the same category as seasonal influenza on May 8

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Shagun
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Japan to lower Covid to the same category as seasonal influenza on May 8
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Tokyo (Japan), January 27: Japan has decided to lower Covid-19 to the same category of infectious diseases as seasonal influenza on May 8, NHK World reported on Friday.

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"As for masking, regardless of indoors and outdoors, the decision will be left up to individuals," said Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, along with health minister Kato Katsunobu and other Cabinet members in a televised government meeting.

Kishida also stated that the government will reconsider its policy on indoor and outdoor facial masks, leaving the decision to individuals. He stated that it will study when the mask review will be completed, according to NHK World.

"We will take further steps towards 'life with corona' and make steady progress on returning to normality in homes, schools, workplaces, neighbourhoods and all facets of life," he said.

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According to NHK World, Kishida stated at the meeting that Covid-19 will be downgraded on May 8 based on the recommendations of a health ministry panel.

He stated that the government will consult with experts before downgrading Covid-19, which is now classified as category two, the second-most severe tier.

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The current level allows authorities to take strict measures to prevent disease spread, such as restricting people's movements.

Seasonal flu is classified as category five, the lowest level. Following the downgrading of Coivd-19 to category five, the government intends to review the medical system in order to allow patients with the disease to receive treatment at more medical institutions.

Meanwhile, Japan intends to continue covering patients' medical expenses for a limited time in order to avoid a significant increase in their financial burden. According to NHK World, the prime minister stated that the government will provide details in early March.

- ANI
japan covid19 latest-covid-news prime-minister-fumio-kishida
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