Toni Dimaano Science 12.29.2022 02:Dec AM EST

US Requires Negative COVID Tests For Travelers From China Amid New Outbreak

The US has declared that all travelers from China must submit a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter the country due to a recent increase in coronavirus cases.

As part of its new policy, starting on January 5, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will demand a pre-departure negative COVID test for anyone traveling in from China.

The US Weighs In On COVID-19 Measures As Fear Of The Infection Surge Emerges

Following China's tight anti-virus measures being relaxed, the number of instances has increased throughout the country.

The "zero-COVID" policies of Beijing had kept the country's infection rate low, but they also fueled public discontent and stifled economic expansion.

Due to the rising concern about the decision, passengers from China who are two years old and older must have a negative COVID test two days before their flight to the US.

According to CNet, passengers are subject to the rule regardless of their nationality or immunization history.

In lieu of a negative test result, passengers who tested positive more than 10 days before their travel can present evidence of COVID recovery.

Direct flights to the US are affected, and passengers traveling to the US from Incheon International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, or Vancouver International Airport as well.

This is especially for individuals who spent no more than two days in the People's Republic of China within the previous 10 days before departing for the United States.

The CDC is also extending its Traveler Genomic Surveillance program to track travelers who may have COVID in the airports of Seattle and Los Angeles, NBC News writes.

In accordance with the scheme, the US takes anonymous nose swabs from arriving foreign passengers on particular planes.

Other Nations Are Also Imposing Stricter Policies On Arrivals

Similar measures have been taken by other nations in an effort to prevent the transmission of illnesses outside of China.

Travelers from China will also need a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival in Japan, and Malaysia announced increased tracking and surveillance procedures.

Visitors from China are being subjected to virus checks in Taiwan, South Korea, and India likewise, according to The Guardian.

Following Beijing's decision to reopen its borders, Italy became the first nation in Europe to require COVID testing for travelers arriving from China.

The decision by Italy to require testing for all immigrants from China was made almost three years after the country became the first western nation to be affected by the pandemic.

It can be remembered that during the height of the virus outbreak in 2020, COVID-19 claimed more than 180,000 lives in the nation.

Officials from the UK's home office and transport department will decide today whether to follow the US and other nations in placing COVID restrictions on travelers arriving from China as well, The Telegraph claims.

Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said on Wednesday that all nations should collaborate to ensure safe international travel while fighting the disease in a scientific manner.

Additionally, Wang said that the COVID issue in China was largely under control and within expectations, and he accused the Western media of defaming China's anti-COVID initiatives.