Jul 20 (NHK) - Japan's health ministry has expanded the criteria for people eligible to undergo coronavirus testing using public funds.
People deemed at high risk of contracting the virus at their workplaces or residential neighborhoods can now take such tests.
Previously, among those who had no suspected coronavirus symptoms, publicly financed tests were only available for people recognized as having come into close contact with infected ones.
People who take such tests are usually asked to refrain from outings for 14 days, even if they test negative. But this will not apply to those who have become newly eligible to be tested using public money.
The health ministry hopes the new arrangement will further encourage more groups of people to undergo testing.
Health officials in Tokyo have been testing staff at establishments such as night clubs to prevent the spread of the virus from cluster infections detected in some of those places.
But people wanting to be tested to partake in social, economic, or cultural activities have to bear the costs themselves.
Included in these categories are professional sports athletes and company workers planning to take business trips abroad.
