The Latest: Japan to begin quarantining all visiting from US

TOKYO (AP) — The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected more than 339,000 people and killed more than 14,700. The COVID-19 illness causes mild or moderate symptoms in most people, but severe symptoms are more likely in the elderly or those with existing health problems. More than 98,700 people have recovered so far, mostly in China.

TOP OF THE HOUR:

— Japan to require two-week quarantine for all arriving from the U.S.

— Philippine Congress deliberating government to declare national emergency.

— Southern Pakistan begins two-week lockdown.

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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced Monday that Japan will require a 14-day quarantine to all visitors from the United States, including the Japanese and Americans, effective Thursday and until the end of April.

Abe made the announcement at a government task force on the coronavirus, citing the escalating COVID-19 infections around the world, especially in the U.S. and Europe in recent weeks.

Japan on Sunday raised a travel advisory for the U.S., urging the Japanese citizens not to make nonessential trips to the U.S.

He said the U.S. recently took similar measures and urged Americans not to make nonessential trips to Japan, requiring a 14-day quarantine for entrants.

Abe said Monday’s quarantine requirement is in line with measures taken by other countries, including the U.S. and shows Japan’s commitment to join international effort to stop the further spread of the coronavirus.

He said Japan will continue to launch “flexible border control measures without hesitation” and urged his ministers to keep their caution levels up high.

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MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Congress is holding an emergency session to deliberate on a government request to declare a national emergency and...