Namibian Diplomat Infected With Omicron Variant Becomes Japan’s First Case

A diplomat from Namibia, a southwestern African nation, who was contaminated with the omicron variant, traveled to Japan Sunday and have become the nation’s first case of the brand new COVID variant, the Associated Press reported.

The Namibian diplomat examined constructive for the brand new variant after he flew from his nation and arrived on the Narita airport on Sunday. Japan gave affirmation Tuesday that he’s the primary case of the omicron variant.

After testing constructive, the diplomat was instantly remoted and handled at a hospital. He had no signs initially however later developed a fever, Health Minister Shigeyuki Goto stated. According to well being ministry officers, the diplomat is absolutely vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine.

There had been a complete of 70 passengers who had been in shut contact with him, together with two members of the family. So far they’ve all examined destructive and are self-isolating, Goto stated.

In gentle of the brand new variant, Japan introduced Monday that starting Tuesday all international guests will probably be banned by way of the tip of the 12 months as a precaution for the brand new variant.

The World Health Organization stated that based mostly on the early proof for the omicron variant, the worldwide threat is “very high” and it may result in a spike in instances with “severe consequences.”

For extra reporting from the Associated Press, see beneath.

The Japanese authorities additionally requires Japanese nationals and foreigners with resident permits to quarantine 14 days following entry.

The 70 different passengers, together with the affected person’s two members of the family on the identical flight, who had been recognized as having shut contact, are being monitored remotely by the Japanese well being authorities. If they don’t cooperate, their names will probably be launched as a penalty, Goto stated.

Ten crew members of the airplane didn’t enter Japan and continued their flight to the subsequent vacation spot.

The 40 Tokyo residents recognized as having shut contact are being required to quarantine at amenities designated by the capital’s metropolitan authorities as a substitute of their houses to make sure anti-virus measures, Governor Yuriko Koike instructed reporters.

A genome evaluation on the National Institute of Infectious Diseases confirmed Tuesday that the diplomat was contaminated with the brand new variant, which was first recognized in South Africa.

Matsuno stated the federal government will preserve strict border controls and can step up its capability to conduct genome analyses of the brand new variant.

The new variant scare comes simply as Japan was increasing its enterprise and social exercise following the sharp decline of latest every day instances. So far, Japan has solely re-tightened its border management. Japan reported simply 76 new instances nationwide for an amassed complete of 1.72 million instances and 18,351 deaths.

Despite the lack of knowledge concerning the new variant, Japan will begin giving booster pictures Wednesday as scheduled to those that have accomplished vaccination eight months in the past or earlier, officers stated.

On Tuesday, Japan’s Self Defense Force closed down its mass inoculation heart, which was launched in late May to assist bolster a nationwide vaccination drive. About 77 % of the Japanese have been absolutely vaccinated.