Japan suspends int’l flight after new virus strain was found
Japan on Saturday said it was temporarily suspending the entry of foreign nationals, after it confirmed a total of seven cases of a new coronavirus variant identified in Britain, local media reported.
The suspension will begin on Monday and run until the end of January, Kyodo News reported, citing government officials.
Two more people were confirmed on Saturday to have been infected with a new coronavirus variant.
The country has reported a national record of more than 3,870 new cases, marking the highest daily increase for the fourth day in a row.
The two are a pilot who stayed in Britain and one of his family members, and they have been hospitalised in Tokyo, according to the Health Ministry.
The ministry on Friday reported its first cases of a new coronavirus variant identified in Britain.
Five people were sent into quarantine after their infections were confirmed upon their arrival from Britain between December 18 and December 21, Health Minister Norihisa Tamura told a news conference.
A man in his 60s experienced fatigue while the other four had no symptoms, the ministry said in a statement.
The five arrived before Japan began on Thursday to impose a temporary ban on foreign visitors from Britain.
Currently only Japanese citizens and foreign nationals with resident status are allowed to enter the country. They are required to go into quarantine for 14 days after arrival.
Meanwhile, there were 949 new cases in Tokyo, also the highest single-day tally, as the government urged the public to refrain from social gatherings during the New Year holiday.
The nationwide figure of more than 3,870 new cases exceeded the previous single-day record of 3,828 on Friday.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga called on the public on Friday to spend a “quiet” year-end and new year period as Japan has been hit by a third wave of new coronavirus infections since-mid November.
Japan has so far escaped a virus outbreak on the scale seen in Europe and the United States, with a total of about 219,000 known infections and more than 3,200 Covid-19-related deaths.
dpa/NAN
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Politics
Tinubu building 100 housing units per LGA for vulnerable Nigerians, says aide
The presidential aide said the project was already underway and designed to provide succour to vulnerable Nigerians.
Economy
Innovation: Galaxy Backbone seeks stronger digital partnerships
Galaxy Backbone has urged stronger collaboration among the government, universities, and industry to accelerate digital inclusion.
Health
Kano emerges Nigeria’s top state in BHCPF enrolment for Q1 2026
Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency has emerged as Nigeria’s best-performing agency in the Basic Health Care Provision Fund enrolment.
Economy
EAPEAN warns agencies against unverified overseas recruitment
The Employers Association of Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria has warned recruiters against placing Nigerians in unverified foreign jobs.
Enugu
Disability commission urges Nigerians to treat PWDs with dignity
The Enugu State Disability Commission has appealed to members of the public to treat persons with disabilities with dignity, humanity and care.
Economy
NECA, VFS Global provide AI training for 100 youths
NECA, in partnership with VFS Global, has trained 100 young Nigerians in artificial intelligence to equip them with market-ready skills and reduce unemployment.
