Japan downgraded the legal status of COVID-19 to the same category as seasonal influenza | Forexlive

Japan’s Nikkei with the report of a relaxation of COVID rules in Japan that have taken effect from today, Monday, 8 May 2023.

• downgraded the legal status of COVID-19 to the same category as seasonal influenza
• relaxed its intensive medical rules
• means decisions on anti-coronavirus prevention measures are up to individuals and businesses
• government has removed guidelines, such as quarantine periods of seven days for people who test positive for the disease and five days for those who have been in close contact with an infected person

More here.

Japan following a pattern seen elsewhere.

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Japanese markets reopen today, they were closed for holidays on Wednesday, Thursdat and Friday last week.

Strong (again) payroll data from the US gave USD/JPY a lift: