Asymptomatic patients may be allowed to go out

Officials are seen at a public health center in Edogawa Ward, Tokyo, on July 14. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

The government is considering allowing asymptomatic COVID-19 patients to go out to buy food and other daily necessities on the condition that they take thorough measures to avoid spreading the infection, starting as early as mid-September, according to government sources.

Currently, the government imposes restrictions on all people infected with the novel coronavirus in regard to going outside their homes.