TOKYO: The omicron variant of the novel coronavirus has been newly detected in 15 people who tested positive for the virus after arriving in Japan, the health ministry said Wednesday.

   All of the 15 cases were confirmed during checks at the time of entry or during their stay at quarantine facilities.

   The cumulative number of omicron cases reported in Japan thus rose to 32.

   According to the ministry, the 15 people, in their 20s to 70s, entered Japan between Dec. 7 and Sunday. They are currently isolated at medical institutions or elsewhere.

   Of them, a woman in her 50s entered Japan from the United Arab Emirates on the same flight as a man who recently visited Kenya and was found coronavirus positive Monday.

   Japan regarded all people who shared a flight with an omicron-positive person as close contacts.

   On Monday, the ministry changed the policy, now treating people as close contacts when they are suspected of having the omicron variant through a polymerase chain reaction test.

   The ministry has asked local governments to encourage close contracts to enter accommodation facilities to isolate infected people.

JIJI Press