Reuters reports that on November 29, the WHO warned that the Omicron variant of coronavirus poses a potential global risk of surging infections.<br />It's emergence has prompted nations around <br />the world to enact travel restrictions. .<br />Japan, the third largest economy in the world, <br />and Israel announced that they would <br />close their borders to foreigners. .<br />The travel restrictions in Japan took <br />affect at midnight on November 29. .<br />Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters that <br />anyone returning to Japan from specified nations <br />will be required to quarantine at designated facilities. .<br />These are temporary, exceptional measures that we are taking for safety's sake until there is clearer information about the Omicron variant, Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan, via Reuters.<br />I'm prepared to bear all criticism from those saying the Kishida administration is being too cautious, Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan, via Reuters.<br />According to Reuters, Japan's response <br />to Omicron has been among the strongest global <br />reactions, along with Israel and Morocco. .<br />Israel similarly banned all foreigners from <br />entering the country, while Morocco halted <br />all inbound flights for two weeks. .<br />In Japan, the renewed restrictions come just <br />a week after the monthly limit of inbound <br />travelers was raised from 3,500 to 5,000. .<br />Earlier this month, quarantine periods for vaccinated <br />passengers entering Japan were shortened. .<br />Reuters reports that foreigners holding current, resident visas, along with some diplomatic travelers and humanitarian cases, will be allowed back into the country.
