英語： Face masks have been a common sight in Japan for decades. My significant other recalls that masks made from cloth were used when she was young. Sufferers of hayfever like to use them to protect against pollen and it has been costumary for people with a cold to wear them to protect others from catching it.

During the past month, nearly everyone has been wearing a face mask when using Tokyo’s public transport. The jury is still out on whether wearing masks does slow down the spread of viruses. However, it is highly suggestive that most places that have been identified in Japan as being the sources of clusters of infections of Covid-19 are venues where groups of people take off their face masks, such as restaurants, bars and music halls.