(TAN): Japan is considering allowing small groups of international tourists in the spring to assess the country’s anti-Covid measures ahead of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, The Asahi Shimbun reported.
However, these small groups of international tourists on the special tours will be the only ones authorized to enter Japan as part of the government’s current programme for now.
“We fear that we may not be able to hold the Olympics and Paralympics if the coronavirus spreads in Japan following the arrival of foreign tourists,” the report quoted a senior government official as saying.
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Japan looks to allow these tour groups from countries such as Taiwan and China, both of which have now been able to largely control the spread of Covid-19. But the final decision on the source regions has not been taken yet.
The members of the small tour groups are expected to travel on a chartered vehicle, such as a bus, and move separately from other groups of foreign tourists as a precaution against the spread of the virus.
Japan now allows international visitors on the condition that they isolate themselves for two weeks after their entry in Japan. But tourists are still not allowed.
