First confirmed person infected with novel coronavirus omicron strain in Japan

It was revealed on November 30th that a person infected with the novel coronavirus omicron strain was confirmed for the first time in Japan according to a government official.

The infection was discovered at the entry of a man in his 30s who arrived at Narita Airport on November 28th from Namibia (South Africa). A test was performed upon entry and detailed analysis revealed the man was infected with the omicron strain.

It has been pointed out that the Omicron strain may be more infectious and the current vaccines may be less effective against it. The World Health Organization (WHO) designated it as a “variant of concern (VOC)” with the highest alert level on November 26th. Each country was on the alert, with countries increasing movement to restrict travel from southern Africa.

The Japanese government announced on Monday that it will ban all incoming foreign travelers for one month effective on Tuesday, November 30th, in an effort to prevent the omicron variant from spreading domestically.

Restrictions will include all new entries to Japan including foreign exchange students, interns and those from other countries traveling to Japan for business.  The entry ban will not affect Japanese nationals or foreign residents returning to the country.  Those returning from countries where the variant has been reported will need to isolate at a government-designated facility for for up to ten days.

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