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Japan Eases COVID-19 Restrictions for Arrivals from Philippines

TOKYO – The Japanese government has announced that fully vaccinated travelers, excluding tourists, arriving from the Philippines will be subjected to relaxed self-quarantine and testing requirements.

The decision, which was implemented from March 1, came after the Southeast Asian nation has been removed from Japan’s list of countries designated as Omicron hot spots.

Based on the new border measures, persons entering Japan from the Philippines are required to undergo a three-day home quarantine with voluntary COVID-19 testing on the third day, or a seven-day home quarantine without test.

Those who have completed their booster shots are exempted from any novel coronavirus-related restrictions.

Returnees are also allowed to use public transportation within 24 hours of their arrival, even during the quarantine period. - Florenda Corpuz

(The lobby at Haneda Airport in Tokyo is seen almost empty due to the effects of the pandemic, in this photo taken on January 9, 2022. Din Eugenio)