The cabinet explained in a statement that this measure will be enforced to prevent the spread of a new highly contagious coronavirus variant, which was first detected in India.

Those people who had been in the UK within 14 days since their arrival in Japan will have to stay in a government-designated facility and be tested twice for coronavirus starting on Monday, according to the statement.

This way, travelers coming from that European country will join those coming from nations such as India and Bangladesh, previously subject to an extended quarantine as a result of Japan’s tightening of border controls.

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