EU Officials consider mandatory testing for Chinese travelers to the EU unnecessary and not in the public interest. The European Health Security Committee is meeting to discuss the current COVID-19 situation in China. After massive protests over the recent COVID-19 requirements, the Chinese government has eased its zero-Covid approach. As a result, travelers from the country may travel for up to 14 days without having to be quarantined. This will be an opportunity for EU officials to evaluate the current situation and find a way forward.
China eases its zero-Covid approach after mass protests
China has announced broad changes to its zero-Covid policy after a wave of nationwide protests. Hundreds of Chinese took to the streets to call for greater political freedoms and to end the government's restrictive quarantine and testing policies.
The Zero COVID policy is designed to limit cholera and coronavirus cases, but the country's high rates of infection have spurred a public revolt. In fact, the number of cases has reached a record high. This has put Beijing in a tough position as it tries to decide between relaxing restrictions and risking a virulent strain of the virus spreading.
The Zero COVID approach has confined millions of people to their homes, forced them to undergo rigorous testing and quarantines, and even prevented some cases from spreading to the rest of the world. But with a surge in the number of cases this year, China's health officials have begun to roll back some of the strictest policies.
EU Health Security Committee is meeting to discuss COVID-19 situation in China
The European Commission's Health Directorate General tweeted on Wednesday evening that it had convened an emergency meeting of the EU Health Security Committee to discuss the situation with COVID-19 in China. Its decision to post a notification relates to criteria specified in decision 1082/2013, which involves an expert assessment of a potential cross-border health threat.
While the virus has spread beyond the country, China has played down the threat of new variants of the virus. Experts have said the immediate danger is a moot point.
Meanwhile, other countries have also introduced travel restrictions for travelers from China, such as Italy. As a result, China's fragile health system is overwhelmed.
But as the virus continues to spread, the threat to Europe has increased. Several countries are now mandating that travellers from China take COVID tests.
CDC expands voluntary genomic surveillance program to Seattle and Los Angeles
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has announced it will expand its voluntary genomic surveillance program to seven more airports, including Seattle and Los Angeles. According to a CDC official, the program's new tests will help "slow down the spread of the virus and improve public health preparedness."
As the nation continues to watch China's COVID epidemic swell, the CDC is taking action to keep its own citizens safe. It is working with WHO to address the global challenge. To improve the country's biosurveillance capabilities, the CDC has enlisted a phalanx of experts, both at home and abroad.
The CDC's Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance (TGS) program collects anonymous swabs from arriving international travelers on select flights. It is an early warning system that detects new coronavirus variants.
EU Digital COVID Certificate is required
As the world watches China's health officials continue to monitor the status of COVID-19, EU health authorities have begun discussions to coordinate a response. The goal is to find a common line among member states.
In the meantime, Italy's Prime Minister has encouraged her country's counterparts in the EU to follow her lead. On Thursday, she called for a unified front against the virus. She said that a coordinated approach was necessary since almost all of the 27 nations that make up the EU are part of the visa-free Schengen Area.
To that end, the Italian government has decided to require all air travellers from China to have a coronavirus test. Those with positive results will be required to submit a certificate of incapacity for work.
Quarantine for 14 days
Earlier this year, Italy announced that all travelers from China would be tested for COVID. This was in response to a huge outbreak in the country, which led to the government closing its borders to foreign visitors.
Since then, several other countries have followed suit, including Japan and India. Taiwan has also imposed new travel restrictions on Chinese tourists.
The EU has also agreed to a coordinated response to the outbreak. Health ministers from EU member nations will hold a meeting to discuss how to respond to the situation.
The EU's Health Security Committee is chaired by the European Commission and comprises officials from health ministries across the 27 member states. They are tasked with discussing the situation in China and coordinating a common stance.
The above references an opinion and is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be investment advice. Seek a duly licensed professional for investment advice.