The Japanese government is currently preparing new restrictions to slow the spread of Covid-19, which, like in many other countries, is accelerating as the new variant omicron becomes increasingly dominant.

The country has never imposed a full-scale lockdown during the pandemic, instead urging restaurants and bars to close early during periods of high infection. However, crowds are starting to return to many shops and events, and the new rules are expected to come into effect in 16 regions, including Okinawa, Yamaguchi and Hiroshima, according to a government spokesman.

It is unclear exactly what the restrictions mean. More regions may be covered in the future, according to the government.

”The number of cases is increasing at an unprecedented rate,” said Cabinet Minister Hirokazu Matsuno at a press conference.

About 80 percent of Japan's population has been vaccinated with two doses, but only 1 percent with a third.

Source: TT