Just over a week after dropping its Covid-19 border control measures, Japan has now officially downgraded the status of the coronavirus. As reported by The Japan Times, Covid-19 is now classified at the same level as the seasonal flu. This change came into effect today, Monday May 8.
Previously, Covid-19 was listed as Class 2 under the Infectious Diseases Control Law, putting it at the same level as serious diseases like tuberculosis and Sars. But Covid-19 has now been downgraded to Class 5, alongside illnesses such as influenza and measles. This policy change is the latest move in Japan’s post-pandemic return to normalcy, with Covid-19 no longer considered a global health emergency by the World Health Organization.
Wondering if you still have to quarantine and mask up in Japan? Here’s everything you need to know about the latest policy change.
Covid-19 prevention measures
Under the new classification, the government can no longer order mandatory hospitalisation and quarantine for Covid-19 cases. Additionally, the government is unable to declare a state of emergency or quasi-state of emergency to restrict events and business operations.
Anti-infection measures will be left to individuals and businesses. However, the government has suggested that people with symptoms still refrain from going out for five days. If you are still feeling unwell after five days, the advice is to wait until symptoms subside.
Japan lifted its rules on wearing face masks on March 13 2023, leaving the decision up to individuals.
Border control measures
Japan dropped its Covid-19 border control measures on April 29 2023. This means travellers entering Japan are no longer required to present proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative test taken 72 hours before departure.
Hospitalisation
During the pandemic, most Covid-19 care was covered by the government. However, the reclassification of the virus means patients will have to pay between ten and 30 percent of the care costs under the national health insurance system. To help ease the country into this change, the government will still cover the cost of Covid-19 drugs and subsidise hospitalisation until the end of September 2023.
Vaccinations
According to Kyodo News, Japan will continue to offer free vaccinations until the end of March 2024. A new booster rollout has begun as of Monday May 8 and will be followed up by another this coming autumn.
Covid-19 infection numbers
Instead of reporting the daily number of new Covid-19 infections, the government will be asking for weekly tallies of new cases from about 5,000 hospitals and clinics around the country.
Schools
Schools will now ask students to return to classes five days after symptoms are detected or one day after they have recovered. Daily temperature checks will no longer be required.
More from Time Out Tokyo
Tokyo named the world’s second wealthiest city in 2023
Two of Tokyo’s most scenic sky-high outdoor terraces are now open
Japan Rail Pass prices to increase by more than 65 percent
Fukushima has four Chansey playgrounds featuring lots of cute Pokémon characters
You can now ride a real Thomas the Tank Engine train in Japan
Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.