Japan to Maintain Ban on New Foreign Entrants Until End of Next Month

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The Japanese government has decided to maintain the ban on new foreign entries, implemented to curb the spread of the Omicron variant, until the end of next month.

According to Kyodo News on the 11th, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated that border control measures, including the principle ban on new foreign entries, will be maintained until the end of February.

The Japanese government has, since November 30 last year, been basically prohibiting new entries of foreigners as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Initially expected to be enforced for about a month, the ban has been repeatedly extended due to the rapid spread of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron.

Accordingly, except for some exceptions such as re-entry of those who had registered residency in Japan and temporarily left after obtaining re-entry permission, and diplomats assuming their posts, foreign entry into Japan is virtually suspended.

Prime Minister Kishida also revealed plans to reinstall large-scale vaccination centers operated by the Self-Defense Forces to prevent the spread of Omicron.

Additionally, regarding children under 12 years old, who have so far been excluded from COVID-19 vaccination targets, he said, "We will start vaccinations as soon as possible for those who wish to receive it after necessary procedures."

Meanwhile, according to NHK, the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in Japan increased by 37,732 over the past week until the previous day. Compared to a week ago (3,767 cases), the rate of increase has accelerated tenfold.

According to the Prime Minister's Office announcement, as of the 6th of this month, only 0.6% of the Japanese population has received the third dose of the vaccine.

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