The United States announced new COVID-19 testing requirements Wednesday for all travellers from China, joining other nations imposing restrictions because of a surge of infections.
The increase in cases across China follows the rollback of the nation’s strict anti-virus controls. China’s “zero COVID” policies had kept China’s infection rate low but fuelled public frustration and crushed economic growth.
Beginning January 5, all travellers to the US from China will be required to take a COVID-19 test no more than two days before travel and provide a negative test before boarding their flight.
The testing applies to anyone two years and older.
Other countries have taken similar steps in an effort to keep infections from spreading beyond China’s borders.
Japan will require a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival for travellers from China, and Malaysia announced new tracking and surveillance measures.
India, South Korea and Taiwan are requiring virus tests for visitors from China.
Lunar New Year, which begins January 22, is usually China’s busiest travel season, and China announced Tuesday it will resume issuing passports for tourism for the first time since the start of the pandemic in 2020.