The government has distributed 48 million cloth masks as of May 29, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at a Monday press conference.
In response to the spread of the new coronavirus, the government plans to distribute two masks to each household. However, only about 37% of the 130 million masks had actually been doled out.
Overall expenses are expected to reach 18.4 billion yen to procure the masks, and 7.6 billion yen is likely needed for delivery, Suga said.
Much of the distribution effort was delayed after the declaration of a state of emergency was lifted. In addition, masks are becoming more readily available in stores.
Suga also said it is up to each family to decide how to use the cloth masks, adding the public should keep in mind the infection could spread again.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
