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Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says the government will consider shortening the self-quarantine period for people who have been in close contact with those who have tested positive for the coronavirus.
People who’ve had close contact with those infected with the Omicron variant are currently required to self-quarantine for 14 days at accommodation facilities and elsewhere.
Medical personnel and others have been asking for the period to be shortened in accordance with the characteristics of the variant.
Kishida told reporters in Tokyo on Thursday that the Omicron variant needs to be dealt with flexibly, as much of it remains a mystery.
He suggested that the government would consider a flexible response, including the shortening of the self-quarantine period, noting that experts have called for adjustments so that social functions can be maintained even when infections surge.
Some experts have called for the coronavirus to be downgraded to the level of seasonal influenza under the law on infectious diseases, to ease the burden on medical institutions.
But Kishida said that is not a realistic option under the current circumstances, as infections are spreading rapidly.
Japan considers shortening self-quarantine period
NHK – Jan 13
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says the government will consider shortening the self-quarantine period for people who have been in close contact with those who have tested positive for the coronavirus.
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