Japan halts ‘vaccine-and-test scheme’ amid Omicron variant spread

Tokyo: Japan is reportedly planning to halt implementation of government system combining COVID vaccination and testing, in a bid to restart economic activities in the wake of breakthrough infections amid the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus.

As per sources privy to the matter, restrictions for purposes such as dining are eased under the system that checks whether visitors have been vaccinated twice or have proof of having tested negative for COVID-19.

Under the scheme, a spectator attendance limit for large-scale events such as concerts is also eased.

It would apply even when areas are placed under a full-fledged state of emergency or a quasi-state of emergency, as a way to curbing the spread of the virus and normalize economic activities.

Reports quoting sources said that, Japan is considering placing its capital city, Tokyo and 10 prefectures under a coronavirus quasi-state of emergency, and plans to recommend the measure on the package to a government advisory panel on the COVID-19 response.

While the Japanese government is also considering maintaining the program under certain conditions such as people having booster shots, it has decided to put a halt to the program for the time being, the sources added.

In the meantime, prefectural governors and health experts have been seeking a review of the policy given the transmissibility of the disease.