Japan has banned all foreigners from visiting its shores due to concerns about the latest COVID-19 variant.
The country will bar entry to foreigners starting Tuesday at midnight, and Japanese citizens will have to quarantine in a designated location.
“These are temporary, exceptional measures that we are taking for safety’s sake until there is clearer information about the omicron variant,” Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters. “I’m prepared to bear all criticism from those saying the Kishida administration is being too cautious.”
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Japan’s decision to close its borders comes days after it announced a tightening of control over travel coming from South Africa and six other African nations.
Japan’s response to the omicron variant is among the most restrictive national responses to date. Israel and Morocco have also implemented bans on foreign visitors.
This is a significant step back for Japan concerning its travel restrictions. Last month, the country increased its monthly limit on inbound travelers from 3,500 to 5,000. Japan had also shortened its necessary quarantine periods for travelers depending on their country of origin.
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Several other nations have announced restrictions on travel to South Africa and other countries where the omicron variant originated. The White House announced on Friday it would restrict travel to South Africa and seven other nations based on medical advice provided by Dr. Anthony Fauci and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
President Joe Biden stated on Monday he would not reenact lockdowns but encouraged everyone to get the vaccine and wear a mask. Press secretary Jen Psaki later elaborated on Biden’s comments, saying cities, states, and counties will not need to reimplement mask requirements in response to the omicron variant.
