The Japanese government has announced that emergency border controls will be imposed on travelers from China due to the reported surge in the number of new coronavirus cases in the country.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio announced the measures on Tuesday following discussions with health minister Kato Katsunobu and others. He said the new border controls will be introduced from Friday.

All travelers on direct flights from mainland China and people who have been there within the past seven days will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival in Japan.

If they test positive, their samples will be sent to genomic analyses to check for any new variants. Those with symptoms will be required to stay at quarantine facilities for seven days. Those without symptoms will be required to do so for five days.

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

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