COVID-19 variants

"Due in part to the impact of variant strains, now is the time to flexibly take quasi-emergency measures," said Shigeru Omi, who heads a government panel of experts on the coronavirus.

The variant is now the dominant viral strain across much of Europe, and previous studies had shown it was linked to a higher likelihood of death than normal variants.

A significant increase in testing and genomic screening would better reveal the spread of virus variants, but experts question the country’s ability and willingness to do so.

The measures come amid a resurgence of infections, less than a month after Japan fully lifted a second COVID-19 state of emergency.

The study suggests the vaccine is less effective against the South African variant, compared with the original coronavirus and a variant first identified in Britain.

Vaccines targeting new variants of the coronavirus won't require domestic clinical trials if the production process and handling of the shots are similar to those of the original.

Researchers have warned that in light of the variant's strong infectivity, existing measures may not be enough to contain the pandemic.

A fourth wave looks imminent as cases involving variants continue to spread amid a decrease in the effectiveness of countermeasures due to a weary public.

In Osaka, new rules have faced questions and criticism over their enforcement and whether or not the policies will actually reduce the number of coronavirus infections.

Local governments can have variant patients stay at accommodation facilities if they are judged by doctors as having symptoms not requiring hospitalization.

The governors asked the government to boost genetic analysis for coronavirus variants and present a science-based policy for dealing with mutant strains.

The CDC said vaccinated individuals don’t need a COVID-19 test and don’t need to quarantine, when traveling domestically. They should still wear a mask and avoid crowds.