NHK



 

Japan's government has been drawing up plans to deal with the Omicron coronavirus variant, after reports of apparent community transmission in three major cities. Authorities say they may tighten restrictions on movement and activities if the numbers surge.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported the first apparent community transmission of the Omicron variant on Friday, after similar cases in Osaka and Kyoto.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has said the government will implement virus-containment measures, focusing on the early detection of Omicron infections and asking people who have had close contact with someone infected with the variant to self-isolate in designated facilities.

Kishida also said the government plans to offer free coronavirus tests at sites in Tokyo.

The government plans to distribute 200,000 doses of the oral COVID-19 drug molnupiravir nationwide to be used from next week. The drug, developed by US pharmaceutical firm Merck, was approved by Japan's health ministry on Friday.

The government is also asking people to continue with basic anti-infection measures for travel and gatherings through the New Year holidays.