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   Japan continues to be locked down amid concerns about the new omikron variant   
   of the coronavirus. Authorities are asking airlines not to sell new tickets   
   for flights to Japan for a month, the Ministry of Transport reports.   
       
   Japan is one of the countries that are going the furthest to keep omikron out.   
   The country closed its borders to foreigners this week. There is still an   
   exception for foreigners with a residence permit, but according to broadcaster   
   NHK, it will be canceled on Thursday for travelers from countries in the south   
   of Africa.   
       
   Airlines ANA and JAL have since confirmed that it is no longer possible to   
   book tickets on international flights to Japan for the time being. Despite the   
   strict measures, omikron has already been able to reach the island state. The   
   authorities have reported two infections. According to Japanese media, it   
   concerns a diplomat from Namibia and a traveler who has been to Peru.   
       
   Japan also had a very strict entry policy earlier in the pandemic. About 77   
   percent of the population has now been fully vaccinated and some groups are   
   also receiving booster vaccines.   
      
   --- DB4 - Nov 27 2021   
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