Countries Shutting Down Borders after Reports of New Omicron Variant

On Monday, Japan announced it would close borders to foreigners to curb the spread of newly detected coronavirus variant omicron. Israel has also joined in the efforts to prevent the spread of the virus as many reconsider their plans for opening up.

Markets are beginning to recover from the shock of the new variant news as investors stay on the lookout for new details. The news rattled global markets as worries of lockdowns and further restrictions clouded economic revival plans.

The omicron variant was first detected in South Africa and has since been identified in other countries including Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Britain, France, U.K, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Netherlands and Italy. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced closure of borders starting from midnight Tuesday. Israel imposed the new travel ban on Sunday and is taking precautionary measures to counter the new variant. In other regions, Australia will review its border opening plans after the first omicron variant was reported in the nation.

The health ministry of Singapore is expected to delay vaccinated travel lanes from the Middle Eastern region. A G7 health ministers meeting is expected to be conducted on Monday upon request of Britain. President Joe Biden released a statement saying that new details of the omicron variant will be discussed in a press conference.

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