The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry issued guidelines Friday to prevent further spread of the new coronavirus, asking those entering Japan from either China or South Korea to self-quarantine at home for a 14-day period. The ministry requests that during that period they refrain from using public transportation, remain in either their own home or a hotel, and monitor their health by doing things such as taking their own temperature.
These guidelines were made chiefly keeping in mind Japanese nationals returning from either China or South Korea or foreign visitors entering the country from either of those countries. They will be effective from Monday.
In the guidelines, transportation methods are limited to those not used by the public, such as a person's own vehicle, a rental car or a vehicle arranged by their place of employment. According to the ministry, in the case of someone's home or hotel being far away from the airport they arrive at, there is a possibility of being asked to stay in accommodation near the airport. The ministry is also leaning toward having the individual cover their own lodging costs. However, the government has no legal power to enforce such measures. During a press conference, health minister Katsunobu Kato said, "At the end of the day [these measures] are only a strong request, however we ask for your understanding at this time."
The ministry is considering measures to force entrants from China or South Korea suspected of having symptoms of the virus, such as a fever, to be quarantined at medical institutions in accordance with the Quarantine Law.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
