Japan: New quarantine measures implemented for travelers from the US March 26 /update 13

Event

On Monday, March 23, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced that starting on Thursday, March 26, all individuals traveling from the US, regardless of nationality, will be quarantined for 14 days upon arrival to Japan and will be asked to refrain from using public transportation to prevent further spread of the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. The measures will remain in effect through the end of April. Similar measures are already in place for travelers arriving from 38 countries, including Europe, Egypt, and Iran. An entry ban is in place for travelers from China, South Korea, and parts of Spain, Switzerland, Italy, and Iceland.

As of March 23, more than 1100 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Japan, including 41 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the coming days and weeks.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the general risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.