Japan's NEC Corp has launched a facial recognition system that identifies people even when they are wearing masks, adapting to a new normal where face coverings have become a key form of protection against the spread of the coronavirus, Reuters reported.

The technology firm had already been working on a system to meet the needs of allergy sufferers who wear masks — a common practice in Japan — when the Covid-19 pandemic prompted it to accelerate development.

The system determines when a person is wearing a mask and hones in on the parts that are not covered up, such as the eyes and surrounding areas, to verify the subject's identity. Users register a photo of their face in advance.

NEC says verification takes less than one second and claims an accuracy rate of more than 99.9pc.