Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a news conference that passengers arriving from China would be randomly tested starting Wednesday.
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The update aims to “promote smooth overseas travel” considering low infection rates among arrivals over the past two months, Matsuno said. All the samples tested at the border belonged to omicron strains, which are already in Japan, he said. saying.
Proof of refusal will still be required before boarding, he said.
Travelers line up near check-in counters in a departure corridor at Narita International Airport in Narita, Japan, on Dec. 30, 2022. Japan is easing COVID-19 border measures for tourists from China.
Direct flights from China, which lately allowed landings in Narita, Haneda, Chubu and Kansai, will be expanded to other airports.
JAPAN EXPANDS COVID RESTRICTIONS DUE TO OMICRON
China, which lifted its “zero COVID” policy in December, retaliated against stricter border measures imposed through Japan and South Korea by postponing short-term visas for nationals of both countries. China has since resumed issuing visas to Japan.
South Korea has already lifted short-term access restrictions from China since early January, as the government noted that the pandemic in China has stabilized.
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Japan plans to largely cover its mask with basic items on March 13 and leave it in the hands of the people. It will also downgrade COVID-19 to the equivalent of seasonal flu in May.