First Omicron Case Detected In Japan

Japan confirmed its first case of the Omicron coronavirus variant, a day after authorities announced new Covid border restrictions. <br />Government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno says regarding the traveller arriving from Namibia, it was confirmed to be a case of Omicron after analysis at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases. <br />The announcement came a day after Japan tightened its border rules again, barring all new foreign arrivals just weeks after relaxing tough regulations to allow some students and business travellers entry. <br />Japan has recorded just over 18,300 coronavirus cases during the pandemic while avoiding tough lockdowns.