US considers Covid-19 measures for Chinese travelers

• The US may impose Covid-19 on Chinese travelers.
• US officials are concerned about rising cases and a “lack of open data.”
• Officials may decide “soon” whether to mandate testing.

The US is considering imposing new Covid-19 measures for individuals traveling from China amid concerns over a rise in Covid-19 cases in the country and a “lack of transparent data,” US officials said.

One official said they anticipate a decision about a possible testing requirement could be made “soon.”

“There are mounting concerns in the international community on the ongoing Covid-19 surges in China and the lack of transparent data, including viral genomic sequence data, being reported from the PRC,” the officials said. “Without this data, it is becoming increasingly difficult for public health officials to ensure that they will be able to identify any potential new variants and take prompt measures to reduce the spread.”

“Public health officials in the US and countries around the world have been discussing their concerns about this and potential steps that can be taken to monitor the case surge effectively and identify any potential variants of concern,” the officials added.

As a result of worries over an increase in instances, Japan and India have established Covid-19 safeguards for travelers from China.

Beginning on December 30, Japan will demand that visitors from China undergo a Covid-19 test at the airport.

Travelers from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Thailand will need to present documentation of a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival in India and will be subject to quarantine if they test positive, according to Indian authorities.

“The US is following the science and advice of public health experts, consulting with partners, and considering taking similar steps we can take to protect the American people,” the officials said.

China has begun to relax its stringent Covid-19 regulations after removing its long-standing zero-Covid policy earlier this month. China took a significant step toward normalizing its borders on Monday when it announced that it would stop requiring quarantine for visitors from other countries beginning on January 8.

However, the abrupt abandonment of China’s strict health policy caught many residents by surprise and has put strain on the healthcare system as it deals with a rise in infections.

China’s foreign ministry urged all parties to cooperate to maintain the security of international travel and the continuity of the global supply chain in response to allegations that the US is considering placing restrictions on visitors from China.

“We need all parties to work together scientifically against the epidemic to ensure the safe movement of people between countries, maintain the stability of the global industrial chain supply chain and promote the resumption of healthy growth in the world economy,” China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in a briefing.

Also Read

China relaxes Covid quarantine regulations

China is the last major economy in the world to transition to...