Japanese disability group says “the mask is not expected to be distributed from the local government”

Written with extracts translated from NHK

April 21st 2020

As the new coronavirus infection continues to spread, a group has investigated the impact on business establishments that support employment for people with disabilities, and more than half of the business establishments said that “the mask is not expected to be distributed from the local government.”

“Kyoren”, which is affiliated with welfare establishments all over the country that provide employment support for persons with disabilities, conducted a questionnaire survey of establishments of approximately 1900 members about the effects of the new coronavirus at the end of last month, and 353 establishments.

In the questionnaire, when asked if there was a prospect that masks would be distributed by local governments, 180 companies, which is more than half of the respondents, answered, “There is no prospect that masks will be distributed by local governments.”

On the other hand, “already distributed” was 101 establishments accounting for 28.8%, and “prospects of distribution” were 60 establishments accounting for 17.1%.

In addition, when asked how it would affect the wages paid to persons with disabilities, those who answered “no impact” accounted for 128 offices and 45.6%, but those who answered “50% or less” It is analyzed that 77 business establishments and those who answered “20% or more reduction” accounted for more than 25% of the total of 73 business establishments, respectively, and that the sales opportunities for foods made at the facility decreased.

Katsutoshi Fujii, who is the executive director of “Kyosen” and who is blind, said, “The actual situation at the site is likely to become serious with time.”