For travelers visiting or planning to visit Japan:Summary of information on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Japan.

The official government stance is that the novel coronavirus infections in Japan do not yet constitute as an epidemic. Just as with a common cold or seasonal influenza, people are asked to wash their hands and by observing coughing etiquette.

In order to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19), the Japanese government has announced that starting from March 9th, all travelers from China and South Korea must be quarantined for 14 days before being able to enter the country. The Japanese government will also be restricting the number of flights from China and South Korea, which will only be able to land at Narita International Airport in Tokyo, and at Kansai International Airport. These measures will be in place until the end of March.

Major airports in Japan are taking the following measures. Many airports have responded by strengthening their disinfection procedures and having staff wear masks. Please refer to specific airport websites for concrete measures that are being taken.

Certain airlines have suspended or reduced flights, so visitors to Japan are recommended to check with their airline before departure.
In particular, flights to mainland China should be checked carefully.

Tourist spots, commercial facilities with heavy foot traffic and public transportation methods that see groups traveling over long distances are all increasing the use of medical masks and other measures to prevent further spread of the virus. When using or visiting such facilities, it’s advised that you wear a mask and wash your hands frequently.

As is true for common infectious diseases, there are various routes for the transmission of infection by novel coronavirus. These include oral infection, where one is infected through food that is eaten; droplet infection (airborne infection), in which one is infected via the nose and mouth by pathogens that are expelled as small, invisible particles invisible when someone sneezes or coughs; and contact infection, where one is infected by touching contaminated objects. While these various routes of transmission exist, hand washing is said to be considerably effective in preventing infection. In particular, it is essential for preventing contact and oral infections. Frequent and thorough hand-washing is advised before meals, upon returning home and when in crowded areas.

While many people wash their palms thoroughly, it`s easy to overlook giving sufficient attention to fingertips, thumbnails, between the fingers and around the wrists. Plaese be aware that many people also tend to neglect washing their dominant hand sufficiently.

To prevent the propagation of pathogens on soap and towels, make sure to always use clean towns and soap from a pump container that discourages the transmission of microorganisms.

Recently, the use of alcohol (had sanitizer) has increased as it offers quick efficiency and an excellent rate of reducing surface bacteria on the hands and fingers. Hand sanitizer can often be found at the entrance to commercial facilities, airports, and hotels, so its frequent use in conjunction with hand washing will prove even more effective in the prevention of infection.

Droplet/Airborne infection occurs upon inhaling the viruses scattered in the air where someone has sneezed or coughed. This poses a serious threat of infection. However, symptoms do not appear immediately after inhaling the virus. It is important to flush out the virus before it enters the cells.

When worn properly, masks are considered effective to prevent infection and the spread of infection. However, masks are currently in short supply in Japan and are sometimes difficult to buy at drug stores and convenience stores where they are normally easily purchased. For your peace of mind, it is advisable to purchase a more than sufficient quantity before traveling.

Many infectious diseases are transmitted through droplets that enter the air when coughing or sneezing. Cough etiquette refers to the use of a mask, tissue, handkerchief, or a sleeve to cover the mouth and nose when an individual coughs or sneezes in order to prevent the transmission of such infections to others. It is especially important to practice cough etiquette in places where people come together, such as on trains, and in workplaces and schools.

If you become ill during your visit to Japan, there are websites that offer information on medical facilities that you can visit. Please use the websites on the link below.

As mentioned above, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has established the Japan Visitor Hotline, a multi-lingual call center that is available 24 hours/day, 365 days/year in order to ensure the safety and security of foreign travelers in an emergency.
The hotline will respond to inquiries related to novel coronavirus.