COVID-19: Changes to Mask Policy (Beginning 3/13/2023)

Beginning March 13, 2023, wearing masks will be up to individual judgement. We ask for your consideration in respecting the independent choices of individuals to ensure that no one is forced to wear or not wear a mask against their own volition.

However, wearing masks is recommended in the following situations to prevent the spread of infection to others:

• When visiting your doctor, a medical institution, elderly care facilities, or similar
• When riding crowded trains or buses, such as during rush hour

When is wearing a mask effective?

To prevent the spread of infection to those around you

Wearing masks is recommended in the following situations:

• When visiting a medical institution for medical care
• When visiting medical institutions or elderly care facilities where many people at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 (such as the elderly, etc.) live/are hospitalized
• When riding crowded trains or buses, such as during rush hour

To protect yourself from infection

Wearing masks are effective at preventing infection in the following situations:

• When those at high risk of developing severe COVID-19, such as the elderly, those with underlying conditions, pregnant women, etc., go to crowded places when infection numbers are rising

Mask measures at medical institutions, elderly care facilities, and similar

• It is recommended that those who work at medical institutions or elderly care facilities (where many people at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 live/are hospitalized) wear masks when working.

Note: While the choice to wear a mask is up to the individual, users or staff may be asked to wear masks for reasons such as the infection prevention policy of the business or other operational reasons.