Japan Suspending Entry of Overseas Travelers

Above, the International Arrival Lobby of Narita Airport during normal times. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Just when we see the light at the end of the coronavirus-related restrictions tunnel, the light gets shot out when a new variant strain of the virus appears.

Japan has suspended entries of overseas visitors due to the Omicron Variant originating from South Africa.

First, it was the Delta Variant, and now it's the Omicron Variant.

According to Nikkei Asia:

TOKYO -- The Japanese government will suspend all new entries into the country by foreign nationals, citing the emergence of the omicron variant of COVID-19. It had lifted its entry ban earlier this month for foreign business travelers and students, but has reversed course in hopes of preventing another wave of infections.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters on Monday that the government is dealing with the threat of the omicron variant "with a strong sense of crisis."

As an emergency precautionary measure, Japan will ban all foreigners from entering the country, starting from Tuesday. Japanese nationals returning to Japan from South Africa and other countries where infection has been detected will be placed in strict quarantine at designated facilities, depending on the risk. The temporary measure is meant as a precaution until more information on the omicron strain becomes available.

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