First Case of South African Variant Virus Detected in Japan...Fear of COVID Variant Spreads

Concerns Over Spread from UK Variant to South African Variant
No Preliminary Data... "More Investigation and Verification Needed"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Tae-min] Japan has reported its first case of infection with a new variant of the coronavirus (COVID-19) originating from South Africa. Unlike the UK variant, which has been spreading worldwide recently, there is no prior research data on this variant, drawing attention to how it might impact the future COVID-19 situation.

According to local media such as NHK and Jiji Press on the 28th, a woman in her 30s who had stayed in South Africa was infected with the COVID-19 variant. She entered Japan through Narita Airport on the 19th and has shown no significant COVID-19 symptoms so far. However, tests conducted at the airport quarantine station upon her arrival confirmed the South African variant. NHK reported that she was immediately placed in isolation and had no close contacts.

This is the first time the South African variant has been detected in Japan. Following the confirmation of the UK variant infection on the 25th, the detection of another variant has heightened concerns among health authorities. Experts in Japan say that since there is almost no prior research data on the South African variant, further investigation is necessary. Takashi Wakita, director of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases of Japan, stated at a press conference, “There is a possibility of higher infectivity, but currently, the data does not show this. We need to continue monitoring closely.”

According to Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, six people who entered through Haneda Airport between the 1st and 24th of this month were confirmed to be infected with variant viruses. Except for a man who arrived on the 24th, five showed no symptoms, and none of them had close contacts. Including these cases, the total number of variant virus infections confirmed in Japan has risen to 15: 14 infected with the UK variant and 1 with the South African variant.

Earlier, the Japanese government decided to completely ban new entries of foreign nationals from the day of the announcement until the end of January next year to prevent the influx of variant viruses. The special exemption measure that allowed Japanese nationals or foreign residents in Japan to be exempt from two weeks of self-quarantine upon return or re-entry after short overseas business trips will also be suspended from this day until the end of January next year. However, the “Business Track” travel agreement with 11 countries, including South Korea and China, will continue.

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