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TOKYO: Japan has confirmed the first domestic cases of the new variant of the novel coronavirus that has been spreading in Britain, the Health Ministry said on Friday.
Five people tested positive for the highly contagious new variant through airport screening when they arrived in Japan on direct flights from Britain between December 18 and Monday, Jiji Press said, citing the ministry.
The man in his 60s has complained of fatigue while the other four are asymptomatic, the ministry said.
He did not reveal the nationalities of the five people. The man in his 60s is apparently a Tokyo resident and the three people who arrived at Kansai airport are believed to be Osaka residents.
All five people are staying in lodgings, Health Minister Norihisa Tamura said at a press conference. It is unthinkable that they had contact with other people in Japan because their infections were discovered at airports, he said.
The new variant is up to 70 percent more contagious than the original virus, according to the World Health Organization.
The variant has also been confirmed in South Africa. Japan will tighten entry restrictions on travelers from Great Britain and South Africa starting Saturday.
These travelers must stay in the accommodation for three days after arrival. They will undergo coronavirus tests on the fourth day and will be subject to a 14-day quarantine even if they test negative. New flight bookings from Great Britain will be suspended for a week.
The coronavirus variant has also been confirmed in Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Hong Kong. – Called
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