That was all it took for Japan to bring out the heavy artillery to protect itself against the coronavirus. No sooner had United Kingdom and several European countries announced that they had identified a more contagious covid virus, Japan has returned to splendid isolation.
Japan is therefore banning the entry of all non-resident foreign nationals.. The measure takes effect on Monday. The authorities are justifying it as a precaution against a new, more contagious variant of the coronavirus coming from Great Britain. The entry ban will last until 31 January.
The response to the covid threat has been gradual, but very rapid. Last week, Japan banned foreigners from the UK and South Africa from entering its territory.
All foreign nationals are now affected. This also includes Japanese nationals and resident foreigners who have been benefiting from relief since November.. This includes exemption from quarantine if they test negative for covid.
From now on, they must provide proof of test negative 72 hours before departure AND isolate for a fortnight after arrival.
Korea affected like Japan
Japan is facing an upsurge in cases due to winter outside temperaturesAs in Europe. On 27 December, the country recorded a further 3,765 cases of covid and 58 deaths. Since the start of the pandemic, the country has recorded 217,312 cases and 3,213 deaths.
The close Korea- which has similar climatic conditions to Japan - has also been affected. On 27 December, it recorded 970 new positive cases and 15 deaths. The country now has almost 57,000 covid-positive cases. The pandemic has also claimed 808 lives.
The Korean Prime Minister has therefore decided to close tourist attractions and ski resorts, while hotels cannot operate at more than 50% of their capacity.. The restrictions are in force until January 3. However, they are likely to be extended at a time when contamination levels show no sign of abating...
