TOKYO, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) — Japan reported its most probably first group unfold of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in Osaka Prefecture on Wednesday, with one contaminated individual having traveled abroad lately and three members of the family being contaminated by means of unknown sources.
A person in his 30s with a current historical past of travelling abroad was recognized as an in depth contact. He had stayed in a chosen quarantine resort and later was confirmed to be contaminated with the Omicron variant.
The three members of the family are a person and lady of their 30s and a woman underneath 10 years outdated. They had been admitted to the hospital between Saturday and Monday after growing delicate signs, together with fever.
The Osaka prefectural authorities has already recognized shut contacts of the members of the family, with well being authorities conducting checks and monitoring their well being situations.
Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura mentioned it’s most probably Japan’s first case of group transmission as Japan steps up efforts to stop entry of the Omicron variant by means of strict border controls.
Yoshimura referred to as on residents to take measures to guard themselves from an infection “on the premise that there are community spread infections in the prefecture.”
Health Minister Shigeyuki Goto advised reporters that the circumstances within the western area needs to be thought of as a group transmission and the federal government will take all essential precautions.
“At this point, we don’t believe the Omicron variant is widespread in the country,” Goto additionally famous.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida mentioned Tuesday that Japan will prolong the present border management measures “for the time being” by means of early January subsequent 12 months because the Asian nation stays vigilant amid uncertainty over the mutant pressure.