Travel restrictions are back again in the wake of the dreaded coronavirus virus resurgence in China.
The U.S. on Wednesday became the latest country to impose new entry requirements that include a negative Covid-19 test for travellers from China.
The U.S. move comes as China announces that – after almost three years of restrictions – it will let its citizens travel more easily from 8 January, next year.
Late Wednesday, the U.S. joined Italy and other countries who are imposing strict requirements on people coming from China amid raising global concerns over possible mutations and a resurgence of the virus.
Amid heavy international criticism and local protests, China recently abandoned its strict “Zero Covid” policy.
Since then, an estimated 37 million people in China are feared to have caught the virus.
Predictions are that the rate of infections could soon overwhelm China’s healthcare system.
A media report suggested that as many as a million people could die from Covid-related illnesses in 2023.
RELATED: China ‘could see 1,000,000 Covid deaths’ next year with surge overwhelming hospitals (msn.com)
The Hill is reporting that the administration is planning new coronavirus precautions on travelers arriving from China due to a surge in Covid-19 cases and concerns about the lack of transparent reporting data from the country, federal health officials said Wednesday.
RELATED: US to impose new restrictions on travelers from China amid COVID outbreaks | The Hill
Beginning 5 January 2023 all air passengers at least two years old originating from China will be required to show a negative Covid-19 test no more than two days before their departure from China, Hong Kong, or Macau.
- In Japan, from Friday all travellers from China and those who visited it within seven days will be tested for Covid upon arrival, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said. Those who test positive will be required to quarantine for seven days if they have symptoms, or five days if asymptomatic. The number of flights to and from China will also be restricted
- In India, people travelling from China and four other Asian countries must produce a negative Covid test before arriving. Passengers will be put in quarantine if they have symptoms or test positive
- Taiwan says people arriving on flights from China, as well as by boat at two islands, will have to take Covid tests on arrival from 1 January to 31 January. Those who test positive will be able to isolate at home, Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Centre said
- Malaysia has also put additional tracking and surveillance measures in place.
Meanwhile, South Africa is yet to make public any stance on the matter.
The last public notice of Covid-19 in South Africa was to dispel rumours of a new variant.
RELATED: Covid Scare: It’s ‘Fake News’, No Masks Urged, Says Health Department – The Bulrushes
