Lifting the mask requirement harms the economy – the USA is considering tightening the Covid rules for travelers from China

In view of the corona wave in China Japan strengthens its border controls for travelers from the People’s Republic. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Tuesday, All visitors from China would have to present a corona test upon entry from Friday. So far, the antigen test has only been carried out if there is a suspicion of an infection in the person entering the country. If the corona test is positive, travelers entering Japan will be quarantined in special accommodation for seven days.

Kishida said a lack of information and transparency about the infection situation in China makes it difficult to adopt safety measures. There are big discrepancies between information from central and local authorities in China, and between the government and private organizations, he said. “Concern in Japan is growing,” Kishida said. “We have decided to take a temporary measure to respond to the situation.” The tests are intended to prevent a rapid increase in infections in Japan. It is not about restricting or stopping travel. According to the government, direct flights between the two countries will initially be limited to four major Japanese airports.

At the beginning of the year, the country lifted the test requirement for travelers with at least three corona vaccinations. Before that, the borders were practically closed to foreign guests for two years. Due to the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations, an increase in corona infections is expected in Japan.