The Omicron variant of the coronavirus has scared many nations into closing their doors to travelers from South Africa. Joining this list are the countries of Israel and Japan. But unlike their counterparts in America and Europe, Japan and Israel have for now indefinitely closed their borders to all foreign nationals.
Quarantining measures get more stringent
Border closure aside, Israel recently made her quarantining measures more severe for Israeli citizens as well. Now, any citizen flying in from overseas will have to mandatorily be in quarantine for 14 days before entering the country.
The two nations have stated that they are willing to face criticism from their global counterparts for such a strict and sudden move. They said that the transmission of the Omicron virus from South Africa to other countries like Australia, Hong Kong, Germany, Canada etc., justifies the closing of the borders to foreigners.
Restrictions will be operational until more information is available
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida recently spoke to the press, stating that Japan would lift these closures and restrictions once they receive more information about the severity of the Omicron virus. But for now, the land of the rising sun intends to take advanced precautions to keep her people safe.
In other regions of the world, governments have started urging their citizens to re-start wearing masks and gloves anywhere they go. With Omicron spreading farther each day and into more countries, it is expected that many more will follow Israel and Japan’s example and shut their borders.
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