Japan slams borders shut as world races to stem new Covid variantJapan has announced plans to shut its borders to foreign nationals over the Omicron variant, joining a growing list of countries erecting virtual fortresses against the mutated new strain. TOKYO: Japan announced plans Monday to bar all new foreign travellers over the Omicron variant of Covid-19, joining a growing list of countries trying to erect virtual fortresses against the heavily mutated new strain. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the country was "in a stronger position against the Omicron variant than other countries," citing voluntary mask-wearing and self-restraints about risk behaviours. "With the Omicron variant now detected in several regions of the world, putting in place travel bans that target Africa attacks global solidarity," WHO regional director Matshidiso Moeti said. But in a sign of optimism, Singapore and Malaysia eased coronavirus travel restrictions on one of the world's busiest land borders after nearly two years.

Source: Bangkok Post November 29, 2021 18:36 UTC