Sign in

Mandatory for all foreign arrivals to carry negative Covid-19 report: China

The new rule will apply to both Chinese citizens and foreigners travelling to China amid a graded increase in international travel.

Updated on: Jul 21, 2020, 14:40:47 IST
Hindustan Times, Beijing | By
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
Copy link
  • copy link

Passengers on China-bound flights from abroad will need to carry a negative Covid-19 test report, the civil aviation authority announced Tuesday as the Chinese government steps up measures to control “imported” coronavirus cases.

A man wearing a face mask walks past a counter with a display showing flight information and a message on preventive measures against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), at the departure hall of Beijing Capital International Airport. (Reuters Photo)
A man wearing a face mask walks past a counter with a display showing flight information and a message on preventive measures against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), at the departure hall of Beijing Capital International Airport. (Reuters Photo)

The nucleic acid tests would have to be carried out within five days before the scheduled flight at institutes vetted by Chinese embassies in the host countries, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) announced on Tuesday.

The new rule will apply to both Chinese citizens and foreigners travelling to China amid a graded increase in international travel.

“Passengers who are Chinese citizens are required to take photos of and upload the nucleic acid test results via an epidemic prevention mini program on the Chinese instant messaging platform WeChat,” the announcement said.

Foreigners have to contact the Chinese embassy to get the process started.

“Overseas travelers need to apply for a declaration of health status from the Chinese embassy with a valid written report of a negative test result,” the announcement added.

Local Chinese embassies have been tasked with assessing the testing capacity of host countries and formulate travel procedures when testing conditions are met, CAAC said.

According to Reuters, the CAAC has allowed more foreign airlines to resume services in China and add flights to the country as the economy recovers.

“Deutsche Lufthansa AG on Friday said it would double the number of flights to and from mainland China in coming weeks, and Air France KLM SA said it has received approval to add more China flights,” the news agency reported.

Last week, health authorities announced that all overseas arrivals still need to undergo quarantine and medical observation at designated sites.

However, entry with diplomatic, service, courtesy or ‘C’ visas were not affected, the ministry of foreign affairs had announced.

According to the national health commission (NHC), by the end of Monday, a total of 2,015 imported cases had been reported on the mainland.

As of Monday, the overall confirmed cases on the mainland had reached 83,693, including 242 patients who were still being treated, with seven in severe conditions.

The death toll remains at 4634.

  • HT News Desk
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    HT News Desk

    Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More