The Japan Times reports that the partial opening of Japan's borders to travellers from certain countries could be a major step forward in the fight against terrorism. factors in the spread of the covid pandemic. The Travellers returning from high-risk areas must stay indoors for 14 days.. Even if they have a covid-negative PCR test carried out on arrival at a Japanese airport.
Normally, you are not allowed to use public transport to get to your quarantine area. The only problem for many travellers is the exorbitant cost of a transfer by private car, which can easily exceed 150 euros... The authorities have spotted travellers using trains and buses to get to Tokyo. Especially as there are no penalties for offenders.
The Japan Times reports that Tokyo Narita has decided, for example, to broadcast an advertisement in four languages - Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean asking travellers arriving from abroad to avoid public transport. " We're not talking about a rush on public transport, but some station managers and airport employees have reported seeing travellers" a Narita spokesman told the newspaper.
To take or not to take the train?
The authorities initially thought of asking travellers in quarantine to stay in hotels close to airports. But hotels there are also very expensive. The Japanese authorities are now thinking of reorganising traveller transfers. The government is considering allowing them to use the train to leave the airports. But they should confine themselves to certain designated carriagesaccording to the Nikkei business daily.
The Ministry of Transport has also asked theAirport Transport Service Co. to set up shuttle services. They run between Narita and Haneda airports and to a dozen hotels in Tokyo.. This would avoid high taxi fares, according to Keita Yamamoto, a ministry official. The service is due to start on 16 December, according to the airport bus operator.
" The risk will increase not only towards the end of the year, but also for the Olympic Games, as the government is no doubt determined to attract foreign visitors." explained Tetsuya Matsumoto, a professor of public health studies specialising in infectious diseases, to the Japan Times. The vaccine would be the solution to the Japanese people's fears. And it would make a lovely Christmas present!
