Japan re-enforces border restrictions to contain variant
Japan has decided to resume the ban on new entry for foreigners to contain the potential danger posed by the omicron variant. As a result, recent measures to ease restrictions on foreign students, business people and technical trainees are suspended.
The Prime Minister of Japan, Kishida Fumio, released the measures this Monday (29). “I decided to put into effect restrictions for foreigners from anywhere in the world, starting this Tuesday (30), as an emergency measure. The objective is to avoid the worst possible scenario in our country”.
Kishida stressed that the measures will be temporary, until experts have better understood the seriousness of the threat from the new variant. He added that Japanese authorities are investigating a case, involving a traveler from Namibia, who tested positive for the virus. A genome analysis is being carried out to find out if the individual has been infected with the new variant.
The government will also tighten restrictions on Japanese citizens returning to the country from locations where the omicron variant has been confirmed. Upon arrival in Japan, travelers need to stay for a few days in government-designated facilities.
Text translated using artificial intelligence.
