December 23

Asian countries are stepping up anti-infection measures as the Omicron variant spreads in the region.

Indonesia confirmed its first Omicron case on December 16. The government is stepping up restrictions from Friday. The tougher measures will be in effect until January 2.

During this time, such events as sports and concerts must be held without spectators. All squares in the country will be closed on December 31 and January 1. New Year celebration parades will also be prohibited.

Singapore has been accepting vaccinated travelers from about 20 countries, including the United States, Britain, and Malaysia, without quarantine.

But the country has decided to suspend new ticket sales for flights and buses for quarantine-free travel into Singapore from Thursday to January 20.

India has confirmed more than 200 Omicron cases so far. The country's health secretary on Tuesday asked state governments to step up anti-infection efforts, such as imposing night-time curfews and restricting large gatherings.

NHK