The average number of coronavirus patients among designated hospitals across Japan has been rising for 11 consecutive weeks, health ministry data showed Friday, with experts warning the country has entered its 10th COVID-19 wave.
An updated COVID-19 vaccine targeting the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant became available in Japan on Sept. 20 ahead of an expected surge in infections around the year-end holidays.
Japan's health ministry decides to reduce medical support for people infected with the novel coronavirus starting in October, as part of a broader plan to return the health care system to normal by next spring.
People in Japan believe that wearing masks during the COVID-19 pandemic has made them forget how to smile. Now they are turning to experts who will train them to smile without appearing fake
One in four people in Japan have said in a survey they will continue to wear face masks in all social settings, even after COVID-19 guidelines on face coverings are eased on March 13, citing reasons such as infection prevention and habituation.