Chinese customs announced on Wednesday that China would revoke anti-COVID-19 measures, including nucleic acid testing, at ports of entry for all imported cold-chain foods and non-cold-chain items from January 8th, according to international media.
COVID-19 testing for all overseas travelers entering the country will also be canceled beginning January 8. All inbound travelers will be required to fill in the results of their nucleic acid tests taken 48 hours before arriving in the country, the General Administration of Customs (GAC) said in a statement on its website.
Inbound travelers with a normal health declaration and no abnormality in routine inspection at the customs port can be green-lighted to social mobility, read the statement. Those with an abnormal health declaration or symptoms such as a fever will be subject to classified treatment plans.
The GAC is also eyeing the resumption of cargo and passenger transport at border ports in an orderly and steady fashion, in accordance with procedural classifications.
As announced, this measure will take effect from January 8, when the country is scheduled to downgrade COVID-19 to Class B management, however the announcement has raised concerns
BBBC reports that Italy urged the rest of the EU to follow its lead and ensure Chinese arrivals were tested, and quarantined if necessary. The US, Japan, Taiwan and India also recently announced mandatory testing, as China deals with a Covid surge. But the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said the surge was “not expected to impact” the EU.
