NHK


 

The Japanese government may extend its tough border restrictions into next month and beyond to prevent the Omicron coronavirus variant from spreading.

Non-resident foreigners have been essentially banned from entering the country since November 30. Japanese nationals and others, who are returning from countries where cases of the Omicron variant have been confirmed, are required to quarantine at government-designated facilities upon their arrival. The government's original plan was to implement the measures for one month.

A government representative told a meeting of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Friday that officials who are striving to gather epidemiological knowledge about the Omicron variant have yet to fully grasp the situation.

The representative added that the government has to brace for the possible spread of infections.

The official indicated that keeping the current border restrictions in place next month and beyond may be an option.

The official also said the government will step up monitoring of the Omicron variant by conducting more PCR tests and genomic analyses.