Passenger from Namibia imported Japan’s first case of Omicron variant

An arrival from Namibia who entered Japan via Tokyo’s Narita airport on Sunday has tested positive for the coronavirus, Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno was quoted as saying by the Kyodo news agency on Tuesday.

An examination of virus samples by the national institute for infectious diseases had identified the new variant, he said.

The Omicron variant, which was first detected in South Africa, has sparked international concern and led to a series of travel restrictions for travellers from the region.

Japan on Tuesday reintroduced an entry ban for foreigners. The measure is to stay in force for at least a month, according to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.