TOKYO: The Japanese health ministry is stepping up its call on people to remove face masks outdoors in principle during summer, when the risk of heat stroke increases.

Wearing face masks as a measure to prevent COVID-19 infections is “not necessary even indoors if people can stay apart from each other and don’t engage in conversation,” health minister Shigeyuki Goto said at a press conference on Tuesday, asking people to wear and remove masks according to the situation.

In May, the government released its view on wearing and removing masks, including in which situations they can be removed.

As many people still continue to wear masks outdoors, the ministry has decided to run a TV commercial to make the view widely known, as well as publishing a leaflet.

The leaflet says that wearing masks outdoors increases the risk of heat stroke, asking people to remove them during exercise, especially when running.

Masks are not required while commuting to and from office or school, but should be worn when talking with others in close proximity, the leaflet said.

People should stay 2 meters apart from each other, and masks can be removed even indoors if there is no conversation, according to the leaflet.

At the press conference, Goto noted that there have been cases of many students being transported to hospitals during sports at schools. “We will further strengthen our publicity efforts,” he said.

JIJI Press