Coronavirus: Japan expands entry ban to more countries, will ask all visitors to quarantine

Japan will ban entry to foreigners from 73 countries and ask everyone arriving from abroad to quarantine themselves for two weeks as it struggles to contain the coronavirus.

A quiet departure lobby of Tokyo's Haneda Airport International Terminal on March 30, 2020. PHOTO: AFP

Updated

Published

Apr 01, 2020, 07:10 PM

TOKYO (REUTERS) - Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Wednesday (April 1) the government was expanding a ban on the entry of non-Japanese people to cover 73 countries as policymakers try to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

The number of countries was increased by 49, including the United States, China and South Korea, he said.

Abe also said that everyone entering the country, including Japanese nationals, will be asked to go into a voluntary two-week quarantine. Both measures will be effective from Friday.

The premier said he has asked airlines to curb the number of international flights.