Omicron-related measures to restrict the entry of nonresidents of Japan will soon be announced, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Monday, amid the rising worry worldwide over the latest variant of the novel coronavirus.
"With the global spread, we're considering strengthening border control measures," Kishida said in answer to reporters' questions at the Prime Minister's Office.
The government has already implemented measures to ask arrivals who have recently visited any of nine designated countries in Africa, including South Africa, to quarantine in facilities designated by the government for 10 days.
The previous ban on nonresident arrivals, such as foreign students and technical interns, had been lifted on a conditional basis since Nov. 8, but arrivals from the nine African countries has not been permitted.
"We're urgently dealing with this matter," Kishida said.
Regarding COVID-19 vaccination booster shot slated to start Wednesday for some residents, Kishida said, "Under the current circumstances, it will begin as scheduled."
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