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Coronavirus

Japan reports first 5 cases of UK coronavirus variant

Travelers returning from Britain isolated after positive tests at border

A coronavirus testing facility at Narita International Airport, near Tokyo: Border officials are on the lookout for new COVID-19 variants.   © Reuters

TOKYO -- Japan on Friday said that it has found at least five people infected with the new U.K. strain of the coronavirus -- the first cases of the more contagious variant to be detected on its shores.

Health Minister Norihisa Tamura, at an emergency news conference, said all affected individuals had recently returned from Britain. They tested positive at the border and were sent for quarantine. Further analysis revealed that they carried the new U.K. variant, Tamura explained. 

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