Japan's health ministry has outlined the government's anti-coronavirus policy after the legal status of the virus is downgraded in May. From that point, individuals and businesses will be allowed to make their own decisions about anti-infection measures.

From May 8, COVID-19 will be reclassified to the lowest level of category five, the same as seasonal influenza.
Officials continue to recommend that people wash their hands and ventilate rooms.

They said social distancing will be effective during a surge in infections, especially for people with a high risk of developing serious symptoms.

Businesses will be able to decide whether to continue anti-infection measures based on their effectiveness, costs and other factors. These include checking temperatures, installing hand sanitizers and setting up plastic barriers.

Health minister Kato Katsunobu told reporters the ministry will work to ensure that social and economic activities can continue smoothly even after the virus is downgraded.