National Feb 3, 2023
Government considering mask-free school graduation ceremonies
A decision will likely be made early this month based on an assessment by experts.
Asia Pacific Feb 2, 2023
Asia is loosening rules on masks. Here’s why people still wear them.
by John Yoon and Hikari Hida
Many other countries dropped pandemic mask requirements months ago. But in places like South Korea, which got rid of its rule this week, masks remain common.
National | EXPLAINER Jan 29, 2023
What will change when Japan reclassifies COVID-19?
by Kanako Takahara
Japan is planning to downgrade the categorization of COVID-19 on May 8. How will that impact residents?
National Jan 27, 2023
As Japan moves to downgrade COVID, focus shifts to messaging on risks
by Tomoko Otake and Anika Osaki Exum
People will be encouraged to make their own judgments on the risk from the coronavirus, but experts say scientifically sound advice will remain important.
Asia Pacific Jan 20, 2023
Mask mandate lifted everywhere but on public transport in South Korea
by Heejin Kim and Shinhye Kang
Authorities have determined the current COVID-19 wave has peaked, based on the country’s death rate and the number of critical patients.
National Jan 19, 2023
Japan's lawmakers get OK to ditch masks during plenary session speeches
by Gabriele Ninivaggi
Ruling and opposition lawmakers agreed to install a plexiglass shield at the speaker’s podium aimed at preventing COVID-19 infection via aerosol transmission.
World Jan 11, 2023
WHO urges travelers to wear masks as new COVID variant spreads
XBB.1.5 — the most transmissible omicron subvariant detected so far — accounted for 27.6% of COVID-19 cases in the United States for the week that ended Jan. 7.
National Dec 27, 2022
Return to a maskless world still fantasy for Japan
by Dave Hueston
Some feel that much of the motivation for wearing face coverings now simply comes from wanting to fit in with the crowd with "appropriate behavior."
World / Science & Health Dec 14, 2022
It’s time to wear a mask again, U.S. health experts say
by Dana G. Smith
There is strong evidence that masks help to reduce the transmission of several respiratory viruses.
National / Crime & Legal Dec 14, 2022
Man gets suspended term for plane's unscheduled landing due to mask refusal
The Osaka District Court found the man guilty of obstructing the Peach Aviation flight's operation.
Asia Pacific Nov 28, 2022
Maskless World Cup fans pose dilemma for Chinese broadcasters
by Low De Wei
State broadcaster China Central Television appears to be pulling back on footage of stadium crowds compared with other international networks.
National Nov 11, 2022
Nearly 60% in Japan unaware or unclear about relaxed mask guidelines
by Eduardo Martinez
The survey found that 18.4% of respondents had no knowledge the guidance, issued in May, even existed.