Japan imposes entry restrictions on Europe, Iran, and Egypt... Infectious disease risk information issued at 'Level 1'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The Japanese government decided on the 18th to impose entry restrictions on almost all of Europe, as well as Iran and Egypt, in response to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to Kyodo News and NHK on the same day, people entering Japan from these regions will be requested to "quarantine at home or elsewhere for two weeks" and "refrain from using public transportation" from the 21st of this month until the end of next month. During the same period, the validity of Japanese entry visas issued by embassies and consulates in the restricted countries will also be suspended.

The entry restriction applies to 38 countries and also applies to Japanese nationals returning from these countries. Additionally, the Japanese government issued an infectious disease risk information "Level 1," urging caution for foreign travel.

Furthermore, from 0:00 on the 19th, Iceland as a whole, and parts of Italy, Switzerland, and Spain were added to the list of regions subject to entry refusal. Foreign nationals who have stayed in these regions within the past two weeks are not allowed to enter Japan.

The Japanese government decided on this policy at a COVID-19 task force meeting held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in the evening, presided over by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The meeting also established measures to support people facing difficulties due to the spread of COVID-19.

The scope of special personal loan programs was expanded to provide loans of up to 200,000 yen (approximately 2.34 million KRW) to sole proprietors and others whose income has decreased due to the impact of COVID-19. For those who have difficulty paying taxes and social insurance premiums, payment deferrals for one year will be granted.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.