The country has already reported eight cases of the new strain of the
virus which was first reported in the UK.
Ban on entry into the country by non-resident foreign nationals will
continue until the end of January, NHK News reported.
Scientific analysis has shown the new strain of the infection spreads
70 percent faster than the earlier one.
Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide said the new measure on travel of
foreigners was “a proactive measure to protect the people of Japan.”
Urging people to spend a quiet New Year's holiday, Suga asked people
“to be sure to do such things as wash their hands and wear masks.”
Under new conditions, Japanese citizens and foreigners with Japanese
resident permits returning from the countries where the new variant has been
detected are asked to submit a negative virus test result within 72 hours of
departure and also undergo a test upon arrival as of Wednesday through the end
of January.
At least 20 countries have reported the new virus strain.
However, Japanese authorities said the new rules do not apply to those
ten Asian nations with which Tokyo has agreed to a special scheme to ease
travel restrictions. China, South Korea are among those nations.
Japan is witnessing record spike in new infections with 3,881 more
coronavirus cases reported on Saturday.
The country has so far reported a total of 223,000 cases, including
3,213 deaths due to the Covid-19. (Anadolu)
