Encouraging cross-border traffic in order to normalize economic activities is significant. The government should assess the status of infections in each country and ease travel restrictions in a phased manner.
The government has decided on new measures to ease coronavirus-related immigration restrictions. Since Nov. 1, Japanese nationals and foreign residents returning from overseas business trips have been exempted from the 14-day quarantine. The exemption covers business trips to all countries and regions that are within seven days.
In order to promote corporate activities, such as imports, exports and investment, it is desirable to have an environment in which people can travel to and from foreign countries. As the quarantine measures are a factor making companies hesitant about overseas travel, it is appropriate for the government to ease restrictions under certain conditions to encourage cross-border business trips.
Returnees are required to undergo virus tests and submit an activity plan in Japan. They are also asked to meet certain conditions, including not using public transportation such as trains, buses and taxis, and limiting travel to round trips between their homes and workplaces.
There has been a resurgence of infections in the United States and Europe. It is important for the Japanese government to take effective measures thoroughly. It should instruct companies to abide by the rules so that their activities do not lead to the spread of infections in Japan again.
However, it is necessary to follow the quarantine measures of the other country when traveling. The Japanese government is negotiating with countries in which the infection has settled to mutually ease restrictions, but it has only reached an agreement with three countries -- Singapore, South Korea and Vietnam.
The number of new infections in Japan has increased again since summer, and it has been said that some countries have expressed a cautious stance. The government must patiently promote coordination mainly with countries that have strong economic ties with Japan.
The government has lowered its travel alert over the coronavirus for the first time for eight countries and a region, including China, South Korea and Thailand. They are no longer subject to entry bans and the travel alert has been downgraded from Level 3 -- cancelled travel recommended -- to Level 2 -- avoid nonessential and nonurgent travel.
This is a good indicator for companies to make judgments on business trips, and it would spur the resumption of business negotiations. It is essential for the government to promptly provide information on the status of infections in other countries.
The government is also considering establishing a new system to accept foreign business travelers staying in Japan for a short period -- up to 72 hours. Such travelers would be exempted from quarantining in hotels or other locations.
With the arrival of winter, some countries are struggling to contain the spread of the coronavirus. It is important to carefully determine the target countries and the timing of implementing eased restrictions.
The government intends to double the testing capacity at airports from the current 10,000 a day. It needs to strengthen necessary arrangements, such as testing facilities and securing personnel for the tests, in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics scheduled for next summer.
-- The original Japanese article appeared in The Yomiuri Shimbun on Nov. 7, 2020.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
