Britain thus follows the example of many other countries that impose restrictions on travelers from China, such as France, the US, India or Israel.
The British government announced tonight that from January 5 travelers from China will have to be tested for Covid-19 48 hours before departure, after Beijing lifted health restrictions.
Britain thus follows the example of many other countries that impose restrictions on travelers from China, such as France, the US, India or Israel.
“While Covid cases are increasing in China, ahead of the opening of (the country’s) borders next week, the right thing for us is to take a balanced and prudent approach by announcing temporary measures while we study the data,” the health minister explained Steve Barkley in a statement.
All passengers on direct flights from mainland China will be required to show a negative test before departure. This measure only applies to England, however the government clarified that there are no direct flights to other UK destinations (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland).
In addition, British health authorities will carry out random tests on some passengers on arrival, mainly to detect any new variants of the virus.
“This decision was taken (…) due to a lack of complete information from China,” noted the minister. The measures will be revised depending on the data provided by Beijing.
China will fully reopen its borders in January.
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