Starting in September, business travelers will be required to undergo PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests at registered medical facilities nationwide prior to departure from Japan to ensure they have not been infected with the novel coronavirus, the government said Monday.
Reservations can be made via smartphone, among other methods, and users will be then introduced to some registered medical institutions where they can take the test to obtain a certificate needed upon departure.
The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry and the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry on Monday began accepting applications from medical facilities that desire to provide the tests.
The government initially considered setting up PCR testing sites at major airports, including in Tokyo and Osaka Prefecture, but decided to have tests administered in other regions and across a wider area.
The government, for the time being, plans to establish a system that would carry out about 3,000 tests per day.
Applications for the tests are processed through a special website via smartphone or computer, and tests are administered on a designated date and time at the medical institutions registered.
The results are available within a few days.
In positive cases, the medical institution will notify the prefectural government where the infected person resides, to help prevent the spread of infection.
In a world in which people regularly travel across international borders, each country and region have made proof of a negative test for the coronavirus a condition for travelers.
China and Singapore require proof of a negative test up to 48 hours before departure, while Taiwan requires the same result within three working days of a flight.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
