‘No plans’ for UK to introduce new Covid test rules for Chinese tourists | Daily News Byte

There are no plans to introduce mandatory Covid tests for visitors to China, a UK government representative said, after the US became the latest country to impose restrictions.

The US joined Italy, India, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia and Japan in announcing new measures as cases surged after the abrupt end of Beijing’s zero-Covid policy.

“There are no plans to reintroduce Covid-19 testing or additional requirements for arrivals to the UK,” the representative said.

They said the UK Health Security Agency would continue to closely monitor the prevalence and spread of harmful variants and keep available international data under review.

In the US, starting January 5, all travelers from China must undergo a Covid-19 test two days before travel and test negative before boarding their flight.

The test applies to anyone two years of age and older.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the increase in infections and a lack of sufficient and transparent information from China, including genomic sequencing on viral strains circulating in the country, were responsible for the decision.

“These data are critical to effectively monitor case growth and reduce the chance of new introductions of concern,” the CDC said.

Italy is so far the only country in Europe and an EU member state that has set new Covid-19 rules.

The BBC reported that the European Commission said its health security committee would meet on Thursday to discuss “possible steps for an integrated EU approach” to China’s Covid-19 situation.

Updated: December 29, 2022, 12:40 AM