China confirmed significant changes to its COVID-19 policies, regarding crew on commercial ships and crew changes as well.
More specifically, after three years of a strict no COVID policy, China continues its steps to relax travel bands, requirements for quarantine, and tests, despite a new surge in a variant in parts of the country.
As a matter of fact, on January 8 the country reopened its borders for international travel, and people entering the country are no longer required to quarantine but must still provide proof of a negative PCR test done at least 48 hours before their travel.
Regarding shipping, government agencies confirmed that crews from foreign flagged ships are included in the relaxed restrictions. The rules for crew changes reverted mostly to pre-pandemic dropping the requirement for local approvals and testing for all crewmembers.
Disembarking crew are still required to take a test 48 hours before leaving the prior port and should remain in that country if they test positive, but with a negative test, they will be permitted to enter China without quarantine or other restrictions. Shore leaves are also permitted.
They are also reporting that surveyors and other functions will also be allowed to resume.
