Japan's new policy of effectively quarantining travelers from China and South Korea for 14 days over the spread of the new coronavirus will not cover those arriving in Japan via third countries, the health ministry has explained.

The effective quarantine policy, due to be implemented next Monday, may be expanded to cover travelers via third countries, if necessary, according to the ministry's website.

Travelers from China and South Korea, including Japanese citizens, will be requested to stay in designated places, such as hotels, for 14 days after arriving in Japan, and to avoid using public transportation.

Affected travelers are expected to need to pay hotel charges by themselves during quarantine periods, according to the ministry.

While in effective quarantine, they will not receive regular health checks by Japanese authorities but will be asked to report if they feel ill.

JIJI Press