Mandatory testing for travelers to China has been recommended by the European Union (EU). The recommendation comes in response to increasing numbers of cases of hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C among people traveling to China. In addition, there is a higher risk of contracting hepatitis A and hepatitis B from exposure to infected animals in China.
PCR tests
While China's health officials recently announced a temporary relaxation of the virus's quarantine requirements, infections of COVID-19 are continuing to rise. In the last month, more than a dozen countries have introduced new travel restrictions for people from the country.
These measures are being implemented to stop the spread of the virus. Countries such as Italy, Spain, Malaysia, and South Korea are stepping up surveillance measures. Other countries like the United States and Australia are also requiring Covid-19 tests.
In response to the virus, French health authorities started testing some passengers arriving from China on Sunday. A majority of the passengers tested positive for the disease. The tests are part of a new anti-travel policy that will go into effect in about a week.
Several other countries, including the United States, Australia, and Singapore, have also announced mandatory testing for travellers from China. However, some European countries, including Germany, appear to be reluctant to impose new rules.
Mask-wearing requirements
As travel from China increases, so does the threat of Covid-19. That's why a number of countries have announced new entry restrictions for travellers from the country. The latest measures will go into effect in January.
Travelers from China will now be required to wear masks during flight. This is expected to help prevent the spread of the virus during flights.
Some airlines will also require masks on certain international flights. In addition to Europe, some airlines will require masks on flights from Asia, Oceania, and some Latin American countries.
Aside from the mandatory face mask requirement, travelers will now be required to do a COVID-19 test, as well as show proof of recent infections. This will be the first step in determining whether or not a trip is safe for an individual to take.
These rules are the result of a global epidemic, which has reached a pandemic phase. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) announced 22 deaths since December, most infections have been traced back to the first case identified in 2015.
As more people are exposed to the virus, countries may re-introduce mandatory travel requirements. However, these are not expected to affect EU travelers anytime soon.
Requirements for inbound flights
The new requirements for inbound flights for China travelers recommended by EU officials are aimed at improving health security in the world's most populous nation. It's not clear which countries have agreed to follow the recommendations, but some countries have already imposed stricter measures for visitors from China.
France has joined the United States, Britain, Japan, and several other countries in imposing restrictions on travellers from China. Some of the more notable changes include a ban on all non-essential travel and a new 7+3 program that replaces a 14-day quarantine.
Aside from the ban on all outbound group travel, the Chinese government has also eased some of the rules for inbound travellers. However, they will still need to take a few tests before they can board an international flight.
For example, passengers from mainland China will need to take a COVID-19 test before they board their flight. The test results must be submitted to the local Chinese embassy.
Recommendations for EU member states
The European Union wants mandatory testing for China travelers, and member states have agreed to impose stricter measures on incoming and outgoing travellers. This follows a surge of the Covid virus in China, after the country's authorities stopped strict controls on the disease. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the true toll of the outbreak is unknown. It is also concerned about the way Beijing has hid the impact of the outbreak.
EU officials have met to discuss the epidemic. They agreed on several measures, including a temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU, which will last until June 30, 2020. A full agreement was reached on personal hygiene, as well as advice for travelers, which includes wearing masks on flights and checking waste water from planes coming from China.
However, there was no consensus on the exact nature of the new measures. In particular, Austria and Germany appeared to be reluctant to implement them. Other member states have suggested they aren't the best way to protect their populations.
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.