Japan PM Kishida vows to downgrade COVID-19 categorization in spring

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged Friday to downgrade the legal status of COVID-19 this spring to a Class 5 disease, the same level as seasonal influenza, a move that would lead to a major shift in the pandemic restrictions that have been in place for around three years. In Japan, COVID-19 is currently categorized as "equivalent to Class 2" and is subject to extensive steps, such as limitations on the movements of infected people and their close contacts. The measures are stricter than those against Class 2 infectious diseases, including tuberculosis and severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS.

Cyprus to lift most COVID restrictions

STORY: Cyprus to lift most COVID restrictions DATELINE: April 12, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:05 LOCATION: Nicosia CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of Nicosia STORYLINE: Cyprus will lift most travel restrictions as of April 18, while a wide range of other anti-coronavirus restrictions will be eased as of April 11. The categorization of countries according to their epidemiological situation will be scrapped, and travelers will no longer be required to obtain a CyprusFlightPass, Cyprus's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works said in a statement. Vaccinated people will be allowed into the country without taking a coronavirus test, while unvaccinated travelers will only be required to provide a negative 24-hour rapid test or 72-hour PCR test. Children under the age of 12 will be exempted from all COVID-19 checks. As of April 11, people will no longer be required to wear a mask outdoors, said Health Minister Michalis Hadipantelas. The SafePass will only be required for health workers and people enteri