Low-case Japan taking no risks with omicron

Michael SmithHealth editor

Updated Dec 8, 2021 – 4.02pm, first published at 11.29am

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Tokyo | Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is taking no chances with the omicron variant of the coronavirus, signalling the country’s borders will remain closed to most foreigners for at least a month.

Coming despite the country’s recent success in controlling COVID-19 infections, it is an abrupt change of policy that has left thousands stranded and separated from their families.

Michael Smith is the health editor for The Australian Financial Review. He is based in Sydney.