Jason Miles
BEIIJING — In another easing of China’s “zero COVID” policies, travelers entering China will no longer be required to present a negative PCR test result beginning on Saturday.
A representative for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, told reporters on Tuesday that travelers may also present a negative antigen test result obtained within 48 hours of boarding.
China has implemented a variety of anti-virus restrictions during the past three years to attempt and eradicate the coronavirus from the nation, including lockdowns and routine mass testing. The government abruptly dialed back the onerous requirements in December, and in early January, it took a significant move to drop its quarantine rule after the laws hurt the economy and caused demonstrations.
As part of its sweats to boost tourism, the nation started issuing all types of visas again last month.However, it continued to require PCR testing for travelers arriving from certain nations, a pricey requirement that significantly discouraged tourists.
Antigen testing are more accessible while PCR tests are more expensive and time-consuming.
According to Mao, “China is taking new initiatives to improve pre-departure testing procedures to further promote cross-border travel. These steps are governed by the premise of ensuring safe and orderly travel and keeping the measures science based and well targeted.
Airlines will no longer be compelled to review test results before to departure, she noted.
He Qinghua, a representative of the National Health Commission, stated during a briefing on Wednesday that the number of COVID-19 cases in early April has decreased to the lowest level since December. Massive breakouts in the near future are unlikely, he said, despite the fact that the numbers have marginally increased since mid-April.
