TOKYO: The Tokyo metropolitan government has introduced a proprietary polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, testing system that can detect the omicron variant of the novel coronavirus.

The system, developed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, was made ready for use on Friday. Previous tests were unable to distinguish the new variant from other strains.

The introduction of the new PCR testing system is among the metropolitan government’s emergency measures against the omicron variant announced by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike at a news conference on Friday.

“We will closely monitor the community infection situations and take responses,” Koike said. “The metropolitan government will make full-scale efforts to devise pre-emptive measures.”

The Tokyo government will also increase the number of rooms at hotels and other accommodation facilities set aside for coronavirus close contacts from about 1,750 to 3,400.

Two cases of infection with the omicron variant have been confirmed in Japan. Of 85 people in Tokyo determined to be
close contacts with the two patients, 61 have started stays in accommodation faculties secured by the metropolitan government, according to the government.

JIJI Press