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Japan to require virus testing, itinerary in easing travel restrictions

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This will effectively kill the inbound tourist industry dead...

13 ( +16 / -3 )

I understand people are concerned about tourist industry, but we should remember that it is for now necessary and it will not be forever, but it will be temporary. This decision is the right decision since the problem is still a reality on this moment.

We tend to make criticism about the government, but only them know what kind of decision is the best to do be done at this moment. Of course, government leaders can make mistakes, but they are the one who know what is happening around the world.

I wish things could be better and everyone could travel like it was before now, but we should be patient and make our best efforts to cooperate so that this problem is solved.

-16 ( +4 / -20 )

During the first two weeks of their trip, travelers will also be required to stay at a hotel and there will be restrictions on their movements except for commuting to work and a ban on using public transport.

So, even conservatively speaking here, adding 5,000 to 10,000 yen a day in expenses, to stay at a hotel, is going to severely limit the number of "business" trips I would imagine. I can not see many businesses being willing to pay and extra 100,000 yen plus, just to have their employees sit around in a hotel room!

The two weeks will likely be counted from when a negative virus test result is confirmed, the sources said, though alternatively it may be from the date of arrival.

Make it from the date of arrival when it's coming from Japan! Probably take more than that to get a result!

5 ( +7 / -2 )

As a kiwi living in Japan, I hope NZ does not open it's borders to Japan. Noone really knows the virus situations here with so little testing being done. I would hate to see NZ going back to square one again.

22 ( +26 / -4 )

I am confused. Japan is the least tested country in the world, and should be required for the test. There is nothing to hide, more testing means more insurance for the Olympic. At least Tokyo area should be tested to ease any concerns.

14 ( +18 / -4 )

How about first considering ways to let stranded permanent residents back into the country so they can get back to their homes, families and jobs.

24 ( +24 / -0 )

With all of the elderly people in Japan, the low number of coronavirus deaths is rather remarkable in comparison to other countries, isn't it? Crowded & packed Tokyo is also a surprise. However, we're far from being out of the woods just yet, but if these low number of deaths holds up as being the case, then it should be studied carefully. Frankly, it looks like the mask culture, which was firmly in place from before, has had a lot to do with it. In the USA, many people are too embarrassed or more worried about looking macho by not wearing a mask.

-1 ( +7 / -8 )

Under the plan, travelers leaving Japan will first have to get a negative result in a polymerase chain reaction or PCR test

"I am a healthy businessman wh wants t go t NZ." - PCR Test Allwed

"I am a feverish, coughing waiter wh is worried I may be infected." PCR Test Denied

20 ( +20 / -0 )

but we should remember that it is for now necessary and it will not be forever, but it will be temporary.

This will not be temporary, this will become the new normal, slowly taking away peoples freedoms to create a 1 world government. People wake up and question everything that is being forced upon you. Triple check the media and trust your intuition. Question all authority and never let fear guide you!

-1 ( +8 / -9 )

So, even conservatively speaking here, adding 5,000 to 10,000 yen a day in expenses, to stay at a hotel, is going to severely limit the number of "business" trips I would imagine. I can not see many businesses being willing to pay and extra 100,000 yen plus, just to have their employees sit around in a hotel room!

Solution- Telework!

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

As a kiwi living in Japan, I hope NZ does not open it's borders to Japan. Noone really knows the virus situations here with so little testing being done.

Nonsense. Did you miss the section that people LEAVING Japan will also be tested? It's reciprocal so in theory there would be no cross infections between countries.

-7 ( +4 / -11 )

Solution- Telework!....

I know, and I totally agree, my company has stopped all business trips anywhere outside the prefecture, and is enforcing a new rule that these meetings will no longer take place "face-to-face" and have been investing heavily into improving the network connections we use daily. The money that used to go for these trips, is actually being put to good use on something that will last longer, and make things easier for everyone in the long run!

I agree! I also believe this is more about taking steps to open up tourism again, under the guise of "business"

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Under the plan, travelers leaving Japan will first have to get a negative result in a polymerase chain reaction or PCR test, which they will then submit to the embassy of the country they plan to visit.

I don't oppose, but be reminded that PCR test result is only a snapshot, with about 70% accuracy. Antibody test may also be administered for travel approval (though test reliability is a problem)

0 ( +0 / -0 )

This is from the Japan Times, June 4, 2020:

"In the face of harsh criticism as the only Group of Seven member nation still banning legal long-term and permanent residents from returning home, Japan has softened its stance on humanitarian grounds and says it will allow foreign residents to re-enter the country regardless of their visa status". [BY MAGDALENA OSUMI, Staff Writer].

The all-embracing tone of today's Japan Times article is at variance from what we get in the above article: "One of the sources said the travel restrictions would be lifted in stages, with businesspeople to be given priority, students and agricultural workers coming next, and tourists last."

What about us academics? Seems like we are behind the tourists.

From what I can tell, the Japanese government does not know what it is doing. Japan still remains the only G-7 nation " still banning legal long-term and permanent residents from returning home."

7 ( +7 / -0 )

As a kiwi living in Japan, I hope NZ does not open it's borders to Japan. Noone really knows the virus situations here with so little testing being done. I would hate to see NZ going back to square one again.

I agree, but also with the other 3 countries - they've done well to contain the pandemic. Don't risk it. And don't trust the Japanese government - we've seen what tactics they'll use just to give the image that their country is completely safe.

If people are going to be tested, then why not apply this to other countries?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

"Today's Japan Times article" should reason "today's JAPAN TODAY'S article."

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

….sigh, Japan is still getting it mostly wrong I see!! Sadly no surprise there, though I would LOVE to be surprised every once in a while, how about it eh Japan!!

One of the sources said the travel restrictions would be lifted in stages, with businesspeople to be given priority, students and agricultural workers coming next, and tourists last.

Good to also know where Japan's priorities are at, seeing as Japan is desperate for ""students""  &  agricultural  slaves, I mean workers, how about paying them what they are worth if you are so desperate for them!!

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Stormcrow

Frankly, it looks like the mask culture, which was firmly in place from before, has had a lot to do with it.

Enough with looking for reasons for the low numbers for Japan which is not backed by data but rather assumptions. Is it a feeling of guilt that the numbers are low due to lack of testing.

There are many countries without the culture of wearing mask that had lower numbers than Japan.

Adding a twist of nationalism doesn't help the global effort of containing the virus.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

@mitsuo-matsuyama well said! I mean, I wouldn’t have so much trust in these governments, especially with China, but I understand what you’re saying. Or at the very least, experts, we have a lot of expertise in their fields, we should be listening to at this point. Because they know a hell of a lot more about this stuff than us, I can tell you that much.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

@pukey2 Because this is a multi phase plan. I mean, they’re starting with business people first, and tourists last for example. So they want to start out with just several countries, just to see how it goes. And if that goes well, then some more countries will be included. Eventually all countries will be included, however, they just don’t wanna have to Close a whole bunch more stuff down, it would be necessary if they did this multi phased plan.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Common folks with symptoms and in serious pain begging and pleading to be tested yet refused testing while a businessman would easily have access to testing, don't see that happening except you work for one if those keidanren member companies.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

We tend to make criticism about the government, but only them know what kind of decision is the best to do be done at this moment. Of course, government leaders can make mistakes, but they are the one who know what is happening around the world.

@Mitsuo Matsuyama I would love to have your enthusiasm and trust in this government. I get your message and the positive tone but “only them know what kind of decision is the best to be done” is a bit far-fetched to say the least.

Following press releases of the Japanese government and certain ministers over last few months, it's absolutely flabbergasting to see the extent of mishandling and cluelessness while they keep patting their own backs in a belief Japan has been so great in handling the situation.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

As a kiwi living in Japan, I hope NZ does not open it's borders to Japan. Noone really knows the virus situations here with so little testing being done. I would hate to see NZ going back to square one again.

agree.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Close the borders for about 1 year. Until a vaccine is found.

Don't let anybody out, don't let anybody in.

Then you can be sure that there will be zero imported corona cases.

But then you will be sure that the economy is completely damaged and broken, jobless rates will be unbelievable high, crimes will rise and the citizens will fall down in a deep depression!

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Monty

Then you can be sure that there will be zero imported corona cases.

How about zero exported cases. Why makes you assume cases will be from abroad and not vice versa when Japan has deliberately kept testing low.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Problem is they forced us to stay home over false datas. They said over a million would die in Japan.. So far 900. 250k in Taiwan, they are at 9. So we lost months and money over false premises. There is no point to continue now. We know that we must protect ill and/or people because they are at risk, but if you are under 65 and in good health it's no more a danger than your regular flu. What they need to do is test and see who got it and is now immune.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

@Alec Savard

We know that we must protect ill and/or people because they are at risk, but if you are under 65 and in good health it's no more a danger than your regular flu.

Do yourself a favour and learn a bit more about this virus. It's been known for weeks already, that this virus can be a very serious threat also to the young and healthy, and if you catch it, you may have much stronger symptoms than your 'regular flu' for weeks, at least hindering you from doing your work etc. There are also numerous reports by doctors stating that the virus may damage your lungs for a long time, possibly permanently.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@Vinke

Do yourself a favor and learn that this virus is killing less healthy/young people than the regular flu. I understand that you are scared, but fear isn't a good advisor. I got the covid-19 and it wasn't worse than a bad influenza like 2015 or 2017. All virus may have different consequences. This one isn't different a very tiny % will have damaged lungs for the rest of their life though it's mostly to 80+ rather than -65. Stats and rationality are useless now because most people are as afraid as you are and world leaders are thinking about their votes..

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Dear Alec,

Thanks, but I'm not scared or afraid. I'd rather think of myself as being just rational. Better being responsible, and better being safe than sorry.

Also even if you were lucky and didn't have it that bad, you can't generalise and say it will be the same for everyone else. That is being irresponsible.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

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