FOCUS: Debate on relaxing mask requirement starting in Japan

Debate is emerging in Japan over how much longer people should wear masks to combat the coronavirus.With the sixth domestic wave of infections on the wane, many are expressing signs of impatience as countries abroad abandon face-coverings in certain situations in line with expert advice.Some Japanese experts are also advising an easing of restrictions, such as removing them when people are outdoors and practicing social-distancing. Deliberations on the issue appear to be gathering steam at the government's expert panel on COVID-19.On April 20, Toshio Nakagawa, president of the Japan Medical…READ FULL ARTICLE