Asia Pacific Jul 4, 2023
The isolated country has maintained border lockdowns and other anti-COVID measures long after most other nations ditched such restrictions.
National Apr 11, 2023
Mask use in Japan at 86% despite eased guidelines, AI analysis finds
by Karin Kaneko
Revised guidelines that went into effect in March leave it up to individuals to decide on whether to wear a mask.
National Mar 31, 2023
COVID measures will be up to Japan's businesses after downgrade
by Tomoko Otake
Requests for customers to sanitize their hands or have their temperatures taken are largely based on guidelines created by industries and will likely be less common after May 8.
National Mar 14, 2023
Remembering how to smile? Japan training sessions help prepare for life after masks
by Anika Osaki Exum
After three years of life with masks amid the pandemic, some people feel a need to practice their smiles and facial expressions before they take face coverings off in public.
National | EXPLAINER Mar 13, 2023
Japan’s mask rules end — with some caveats
by Tomoko Otake
The government started leaving the decision on masking largely up to individuals Monday. But that doesn’t mean that everyone can throw out their face coverings in all situations.
National Mar 12, 2023
Survey finds 1 in 4 will still wear masks in Japan despite eased COVID-19 rules
A survey has found that 1 in 4 people in Japan said they will continue to wear face masks in all social settings, even after the easing of COVID-19 guidelines on face coverings Monday.
Asia Pacific Mar 2, 2023
Hong Kong removes mask mandate for residents and travelers
by Alyssa Chen
After almost three years, the government decided to ease restrictions on facial coverings. But concern over new variants keeps many people wearing masks.
Asia Pacific Feb 28, 2023
Hong Kong to scrap COVID mask mandate from March 1
by Farah Master
Hong Kong and Macao both followed China's "zero-COVID" policy for much of the past three years.
Asia Pacific Feb 23, 2023
Hong Kong extends mask mandate despite reopening campaigns
by Richard Frost
The city extended the regulation by two weeks to March 8, according to a government gazette published late Wednesday, meaning the rule will have been place for almost 1,000 days.
National | Regional Voices: Okinawa Feb 13, 2023
As Japan considers easing virus guidance, Okinawan children fear unmasked life
Even among adults, opinions are divided on how society should handle the coronavirus, including on the issue of whether or not to remove masks — which only adds to unease for children.
National / Science & Health Feb 9, 2023
Panel says Japan's schools can choose mask rules for graduations
by Tomoko Otake
The experts still urged school officials to set specific rules beforehand, especially regarding social distancing, venue ventilation and not attending when feeling sick.
National Feb 7, 2023
Japanese airline association to make onboard mask-wearing optional
by Kathleen Benoza
The plan to make passenger mask-wearing a “personal choice” in May has been made in line with the government’s planned revision of mask guidelines.