Japan to Downgrade COVID-19 Classification on May 8

Welcome to "Learn Japanese from the News."

Thanks for joining us.

In this program, we'll learn Japanese and about the country through Japanese news stories.

Our headline is: Japan to Downgrade COVID-19 Classification on May 8.

Japan's government has decided to downgrade the legal status of the coronavirus on May 8th.

The pandemic has affected every part of our lives for the past three years, and adapting to this new normal has been a gradual process, but this feels like a significant step.

Right.

But before we go to the news clip, let's go over some words to listen for.

"chiryoo."

treatment.

"muryoo."

free of charge.

"wakuchin."

vaccine.

OK, let's watch the news clip.

The government has decided to change
the legal status of the novel coronavirus on May 8.

It will be revised from the current
"Category 2 equivalent" to "Category 5," which is the same
as influenza.

COVID-19 can only be treated
at designated hospitals.

Once it's reclassified as Category 5,
that will allow treatment at any hospital, and it's believed that will reduce
hospital crowding and strain (on the system.)

However, hospitals that have not been
treating COVID up until now must make preparations to prevent
the spread of the virus.

Currently, medical treatment
for COVID is free.

Once it's reclassified as Category 5,
you will have to pay at the hospital.

But the government plans
to keep it free for the time being.

They will also be deciding on rules
for vaccines and face masks.

Now let's review the following sentence from the story.

It will be revised from the current "Category 2 equivalent" to "Category 5," which is the same as influenza.

Now read along with me.

"ni-rui-sootoo kara infuruenza nado to onaji go-rui ni kaemasu."

Let's take a closer look at the terms "ni-rui" and "go-rui."

"Rui" describes a group of things that share common attributes or are very similar to each other.

Yes, so, for example, we can refer to noodles like soba or ramen collectively as "men-rui."

And seafood, in general, is called "gyokai-rui."

Exactly.

In today's story, "ni-rui" and "go-rui" are different levels in Japan's classification system for infectious diseases.

Category 1 includes Ebola and the plague.

These are extremely dangerous diseases that can be fatal if contracted.

Category 2 includes high-risk diseases like tuberculosis and SARS.

COVID-19 was initially designated "nil-rui sootoo" that is, "Category 2 equivalent."

The word "sootoo" describes something that corresponds or is equivalent to something else.

And now, COVID is set to move to Category 5, which includes the seasonal flu.

- Ah, so it's being downgraded.
- Yes.

- That sounds like a good step.
- Right.

So what exactly will change when COVID is reclassified from "ni-rui" to "go-rui" ?

The government and local authorities will no longer be able to limit people's movement by declaring a State of Emergency or requesting that they refrain from goining out.

And until now, if you thought you were infected, you were asked to visit a fever clinic.

But moving forward, you will be able to receive medical treatment at regular hospitals and local clinics.

A downgrade to Category 5 also means that patients have to pay out of pocket for treatment.

But as our story mentions, the government will continue to shoulder the costs for the time being.

The Japanese uses the key phrase "shibaraku no aida."

Now, let's check in with Tokunaga-sensei to learn more.

We use "shibaraku no aida" when we don't have
a specific time frame in mind.

In today's story it refers to an unspecified
period of time starting May 8.

It could be a month,
six months, or a year.

"Shibaraku" refers to
an unspecified amount of time that is longer than "sukoshi."

So "shibaraku omachi kudasai" suggests a longer wait than
"shooshoo omachi kudasai."

And you wouldn't say
"shibaraku rusu ni shimasu" if you will only be away
for a day.

But beyond that, it's unclear if you will be away
for days or for months.

If it's unclear what "shibaraku" means,
you should ask for clarification.

Inside Japan.

I think our viewers probably have many questions about the planned downgrade of COVID.

As do I! I'm especially unclear on what the latest guidance is regarding wearing masks.

Right. I think that's the big question on everybody's mind.

Let's hear what people have to say about the topic.

The government now plans to start letting people make their own choices about wearing masks, whether indoors or outdoors.

We asked local residents how they will approach mask-wearing moving forward.

Actually, it depends on people, like, if I'm in a place that everyone wearing masks, so it makes me wear masks too.

I probably won't be wearing a mask except in places where people are uncomfortable, or if I'm sick.

"They say it's OK to take it off.

But the guidelines are vague
as to when exactly."

To learn more about Japan's policy on masks, we spoke to Professor Tateda Kazuhiro at Toho University, who's an expert on infectious diseases.

He says a government subcommittee of experts recently approved new mask-wearing guidelines that will take effect on March 13th.

Moving forward, people will be allowed to make their own choices about wearing face masks, both indoors and outdoors.

But he recommends people continue to wear them in certain situations.

When interacting with elderly people or other individuals with underlying medical conditions.

When spending a prolonged period of time in a crowded place that is poorly ventilated.

And when there is a rapid surge in infections.

Tateda emphasizes that this new guidance is not a recommendation that you remove your mask.

Some people will choose to continue masking up, while others will choose not to wear them.

He says we should respect each person's choice, be considerate of one another, and wear masks when the situation calls for it.

He calls this "omoiyari masuku echiketto."

Ah, so literally, "thoughtful mask-wearing etiquette."

- Right.
- That's a nice way of putting it.

I can imagine though that there will be times when we might want to ask someone to put on a mask.

Now, what's a good, polite way of doing so?

Well, I would say "sumimasen, masuku o tsukete moraemasen ka."

"sumimasen, masuku o tsukete moraemasen ka."

Got it.

Professor Tateda says that whether you choose to continue to wear a mask or choose not to wear one, you should be understanding of people who make a choice that's different from yours.

He hopes that we can live in a society free of stigma related to face masks.

Yeah, I think if we all just use a bit of common sense, that's a good way forward.

Even with the change from "ni-rui" to "go-rui," the number of new cases will likely continue to ebb and flow.

It's still important that each and every person take care.

Things can change quickly, so be sure to stay up to date on the latest developments.

We'll see you next time.

See you soon.