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CNN
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The United States requires all travelers from China to show a negative Covid-19 test result before flying into the country.
Passengers traveling from China to the United States must be tested at least two days before their flight and must show proof of a negative test result to the airline before boarding, according to federal health officials.
The test is either a PCR test or an antigen self-test administered through a telemedicine service.
The requirement applies both to passengers traveling directly from China to the United States and to passengers transiting popular third-country gateways such as Seoul, Toronto and Vancouver.
Passengers who test positive more than 10 days before their flight may submit documentation proving their recovery in lieu of a negative test result.
The new rules will take effect January 5th at 12:01am ET.
American officials have expressed deep concern over China’s lack of transparency over the recent surge in cases, particularly the lack of genome sequencing information that could help detect new strains of the coronavirus. .
A federal health official said, “We know these measures cannot eliminate all risks or completely prevent infected people from entering the United States. It helps limit numbers and provide early warnings about new variants.”
The new requirement comes as Japan and India announced Covid-19 measures for travelers from China amid concerns over rising cases.
Starting December 30, Japan will require individuals traveling from China to be tested for Covid-19 upon arrival. Indian authorities have said travelers from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand must present proof of a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival. Enter India and quarantine if positive.
China began easing strict Covid-19 measures after dismantling the country’s long-running Covid-zero policy earlier this month. announced and took a big step towards reopening borders.
But the abrupt end to China’s draconian health policy has caught many in the country off guard and strained its healthcare system to deal with the rising number of infections.
China’s foreign ministry on Wednesday responded to reports that the United States was considering imposing restrictions on travelers from China and will work together to ensure the safe movement of people between countries and the stability of global supply chains. I urged all countries to do so.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “To ensure the safe movement of people between countries, maintain the stability of the supply chain of the global industrial chain, and promote the resumption of healthy growth of the global economy, all relevant parties We need to cooperate scientifically against the epidemic.” Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in the briefing:
This story has been updated with additional developments.
