Most School Students Plan to Continue Wearing Masks, Despite Eased Government Recommendations

On March 13, the Japanese government eased its recommendations for wearing masks to counter the spread of COVID-19, leaving it to individuals to decide whether to don face coverings. Despite the move, most people have continued to wear masks in public settings, including inside buildings, on trains, and on city streets.

An online survey by Nifty Kids, a website aimed at elementary and junior high school students, polled visitors about their opinions on the change. The results found that 52% said they were happy with it, while 48% expressed displeasure.

However, some 68% of respondents said they would continue to wear masks at school when the new term begins, while 27% said they would see what others were doing before deciding. Just 5% said that they would not wear masks.

The main reasons students gave for wearing masks were not wanting to show their face, at 35%, followed by concern about COVID-19 (20%), and because of seasonal allergies (18%).

The survey was conducted from early to mid-March and had 1,328 valid responses.

(Translated from Japanese. Banner photo © Pixta.)