The Japanese government will impose emergency border controls on travelers from China, starting on Friday, due to a surge in the number of coronavirus cases there.

All travelers on direct flights from mainland China and people who have been there within seven days prior to entry to Japan will be tested for the virus upon arrival.

If they test positive, those with symptoms will be required to stay at quarantine facilities for seven days. Those with no symptoms will be required to do so for five days.

Samples of all positive cases will be sent for genomic analysis to check for any possible new variants.

Direct flights from China will be limited to four airports: Narita and Haneda serving Tokyo, and Kansai and Chubu. Airlines have been asked not to increase the number of flights between Japan and China.

Direct flights from Hong Kong and Macao will be allowed to fly to Shin-Chitose, Fukuoka and Naha in addition to the four airports if they do not carry anyone who has been in mainland China within seven days prior to entry.

The government plans to monitor the infection situation in China to determine how long the measures should stay in place.