Japan To Ease Covid - 19 Measures For Arrivals
The Japanese government is considering further easing coronavirus measures for arrivals from overseas, starting next month.
Prime Minister Kishida Fumio said on Monday that his government will lay out new policies as soon as possible to modify its strict anti-infection measures.
Government officials are considering raising the daily ceiling of arrivals to Japan from the current 20,000, from September. Some have proposed 50,000 as a new cap.
They are also thinking about easing virus testing requirements.
Currently, all arrivals, including Japanese nationals, are required to take coronavirus tests within 72 hours before departure, and submit negative test proof.
But from next month, those who've received booster shots could be exempt from the test requirement.
The government is also planning to review the current nationwide coronavirus case reporting system to ease burdens on healthcare workers.
The idea is to ask hospitals and public health centers to report only case numbers for people with a low risk of developing serious symptoms. For high risk groups, such as the elderly and those with underlying conditions, healthcare workers would continue to report details, including symptoms.
Shortening the self-isolating period for patients with symptoms from the current 10 days to seven is also under consideration.