Japan is banning foreigners from the United States and Canada from entering their country as part of an expanded effort to control the conronavirus there.
In all, Japan's new wider ban now includes 73 nations.
The new broader ban, announced Wednesday, added 49 more countries to Japan's current list. Prime Minister Abe Shinzo said the move was due to recent "explosive increases in infections overseas, mainly in Europe and the United States."
Beginning Friday, non-Japanese travelers who have visited those countries within the last two weeks will be refused entry. The measure will stay in effect for the time being.
Additionally, anyone entering the country, including Japanese nationals, will be asked to self-quarantine for two weeks, as well as refrain from using any public transportation. Japanese returnees will also be asked to get tested for the coronavirus. Those measures will run through the end of April.
