[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Japanese government is reportedly considering easing entry restrictions on South Korea, which have been implemented to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
On the 1st, the Asahi Shimbun reported, citing multiple Japanese government officials, that the Japanese government is considering starting negotiations to ease entry restrictions with South Korea, China, and Taiwan. It is also known that the government is reviewing how much it can increase the number of entrants in the future and whether to add Brunei, Myanmar, and others as subjects for easing entry restrictions.
The consideration to ease entry restrictions on South Korea, China, and Taiwan, where human exchanges are relatively active, appears to be related to the imminent practical application of a new polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing method. This testing method reportedly uses saliva to quickly determine the infection status of asymptomatic individuals. The Japanese government plans to require those entering the country to undergo PCR tests to confirm COVID-19 infection both when departing from their home country and upon entry into Japan.
The Japanese government plans to first negotiate quarantine conditions related to allowing entry with these countries so that business exchanges can resume. Following businesspeople, entry restrictions are expected to be eased sequentially for international students and tourists, so the increase in Japanese travelers from South Korea or China is expected to be postponed, Asahi reported.
Earlier, the Japanese government began negotiations last month to ease entry restrictions with four countries: Vietnam, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand. At the start of the negotiations, the daily entry limit was set at about 250 people.
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