Further discussion to be held tomorrow at the IPCR (crisis response mechanism) – Earlier, emergency advice from the Commission was released for those traveling to or from China
The meeting of the EU Health Security Committee on the coronavirus has ended.
All member states agreed on a coordinated approach to the changing COVID-19 situation in China and the impact of increased travel from China to Europe at today’s meeting of the EU Health Security Committee, according to a Commission spokesman.
The vast majority of countries are in favor of pre-departure tests, while the Commission has prepared its draft opinion to guide today’s debate, which will now be revised and approved based on input from member states at the meeting. Further discussion will take place tomorrow in the IPCR (crisis response mechanism), taking into account the input of the Health Security Committee.
The Health Security Committee’s draft opinion proposes measures on: personal hygiene and health measures for travelers (including recommended mask use on flights from China), sewage monitoring for aircraft, genomic surveillance at airports and increased monitoring, increased EU vigilance regarding testing and vaccinations, discussion of the need for testing passengers from China prior to departure.
It is pointed out that these measures should target the most suitable flights and airports and be carried out in a coordinated manner to ensure their effectiveness. Finally, the Commission will publish the opinion of the Health Security Committee as soon as it is approved.
Kyriakidou: EU unity remains our strongest tool against COVID
“EU unity remains our strongest tool against COVID,” Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakidou said after the meeting in a tweet, pointing out that “today the EU Health Safety Committee agreed on action that includes:
- Pre-departure testing for travelers from China
- Reinforcement of wastewater monitoring
- Increased internal surveillance”.
“The discussion continues tomorrow at the IPCR (crisis response mechanism)” added Stella Kyriakidou.
Today 🇪🇺 Health Security Committee converged on action including:
▶️Pre-departure testing for travelers from China
▶️Stepped up wastewater monitoring
▶️Increased domestic surveillanceDiscussion continues tomorrow in IPCR.
🇪🇺 unity remains our strongest tool against COVID.
— Stella Kyriakides (@SKyriakidesEU) January 3, 2023
Emergency advice from the Commission for those traveling to or from China
The European Commission’s emergency advice to EU travelers bound for China and for travelers entering European territory from China was published by EODY. At the same time, personal protection guidelines for airline personnel are defined.
The announcement in detail:
The number of COVID-19 cases in China is currently very high, although no reliable data is available. Several countries are taking travel-related measures such as airport screening or showing a negative result in a COVID-19 test or providing a vaccination certificate.
The European Commission issues advice to EU/EEA travelers to China and travelers entering the EU/EEA from China. It also reminds airport and airline staff of the personal protection guidelines published by ECDC (European Center for Disease Prevention and Control) and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency).
Advice for EU / EEA travelers wishing to travel to China
Travelers should exercise caution if traveling to any area around the world with high rates of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, as this could increase the risk of infection, and in addition could make it difficult to access healthcare services abroad , if the need arises. Travelers should confirm that their health insurance provides full coverage in the destination country.
Before departure, all travelers should ensure that they have received the full COVID-19 vaccination regimen, including booster doses, and that they have, in general, received all vaccinations in accordance with their national vaccination schedules .
During travel, medical face masks are among the most effective means of preventing the transmission of SARS-COV-2. Therefore, mask use should be considered in crowded indoor and outdoor spaces, including during air travel.
Vulnerable passengers should continue to wear a face mask regardless of the rules; ideally an FFP2/N95/KN95 type mask that provides a higher level of protection than a standard surgical mask. Individuals with respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing) are strongly advised to wear a medical face mask regardless of flight-specific requirements.
All citizens in general should be encouraged to stay home if they are sick; practice good hand and respiratory hygiene practices, including appropriate use of a face mask, and minimize exposure in crowded public places, including on public transportation; especially with regard to vulnerable people, in order to reduce the spread of and exposure to respiratory viruses.
Advice for travelers entering the EU / EEA from China
All travelers should be aware of entry requirements at transit and destination airports, such as whether they are required to provide COVID-19 test results or documentation of vaccination status.
Travelers should be advised that some EU/EEA countries are currently under severe pressure on their health systems due to various outbreaks of infectious diseases and this may have an impact on the availability of care for both citizens and visiting travelers the EU / EEA.
During travel, medical face masks are among the most effective means of preventing the transmission of SARS-COV-2. Therefore, mask use should be considered in crowded indoor and outdoor spaces, including during air travel.
Vulnerable passengers should continue to wear a face mask regardless of the rules; ideally an FFP2/N95/KN95 type mask that provides a higher level of protection than a standard surgical mask. Individuals with respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing) are strongly advised to wear a medical face mask regardless of flight-specific requirements.
Due to the continued high levels of circulation of respiratory viruses in the EU/EEA, including RSV, SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, all travelers coming to Europe and all citizens in general should be encouraged to remain in home in case of illness; practice good hand and respiratory hygiene practices, including the appropriate use of a face mask, and minimize exposure in crowded public places, including public transport, especially for vulnerable people, in order to reduce the spread as well as the exposure to viruses of the respiratory system.
Advice to airport and airline staff on personal protection
ECDC and EASA have published the COVID-19 Protocol for Aviation Health Security, and the guidance contained in this document is still valid and should be implemented by EU/EEA countries in an approach based on the danger. Regarding the personal protection of staff, ECDC reiterates the following regarding vaccination and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Vaccination
Aircraft and airport operators, either individually or through their representative bodies, and in coordination with the relevant public health authorities, should continue to inform their staff members about the benefits of vaccination against the disease COVID-19; especially the high effectiveness in preventing serious infection and death. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 reduces the risk to themselves, their family members and travelers who, for health reasons, may not be able to be vaccinated or have an insufficient immune response . Where permitted by the national legal framework, business managers could also consider developing a vaccination strategy for all eligible staff members.
PPE (personal protective equipment)
Airport operators, aircraft operators and service providers / suppliers should provide the necessary PPE to their staff and ensure that they are trained in their proper use:
Staff members who come into direct contact with passengers (e.g. flight attendants, security screening officers, assistants to passengers with reduced mobility, cleaning staff, etc.) should be encouraged to wear a medical face mask as appropriate or, if available and the legal framework allows, higher specification face masks (eg FFP2/N95/KN95 respiratory protection masks).
Staff should be encouraged to maintain respiratory hygiene at all times, as well as the regular application of hand hygiene measures, either by appropriate washing or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. For work where personnel may be exposed to splashing liquids, the use of a protective apron or disposable plastic apron may be considered.
Crew members should be encouraged to wear a face mask whenever they are in contact with or around other people. Once in the cockpit and the door is closed, crew members may remove their masks subject to carrier policy and mutual agreement [σημείωση: η σύσταση αυτή θα μπορούσε προσωρινά να επανεξεταστεί]. In addition, crew members should remove their masks in emergencies and whenever required by competent authorities for official purposes such as identification or breathalyzer testing.
Aircraft operators should have one or more Universal Precaution Kits (UPK) on board the aircraft. These boxes should be used by crew members assisting passengers with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, as well as for the cleaning and proper disposal of any potentially infectious contents.
A.M
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