Japanese Holidaymakers Flock To Get Free Virus Tests
Japanese holidaymakers flocked to coronavirus testing locations in Tokyo for free tests before heading to their destinations.
Both the antigen and the PCR tests are available at about 870 venues and five major railway stations in the capital.
People carrying suitcases visited one testing site near Shinjuku Station on Saturday, the day after the spring holiday season began.
Results of the antigen test are sent out by email on the same day, and those for the PCR test the following day.
Staff at the site said the number of people being tested on Friday, the first day of the week-long holiday period, was double or triple the usual number.
They said many people also plan to visit the site before returning to their workplaces.
A man in his 40s said his parents asked him to take the test before visiting their home in Niigata Prefecture, central Japan, as they were concerned about infection. He said he plans to avoid unnecessary outings while staying at the family home.
A director of the company operating the testing venue, Tomozawa Miho, called on travelers to undergo testing, not only for their own safety, but for that of their families and others.