The UK has announced that due to the increasing number of cases in China, negative Covid-19 test results will be requested from passengers arriving from this country.
It has been announced that as of January 5, free Covid-19 tests will be distributed at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to passengers coming from China to the Netherlands.
Following countries such as the USA, Italy, Spain and Japan, the UK also imposed a Covid-19 test requirement on people coming from China.
In the statement made by the British Ministry of Health, it was reported that it was decided that passengers coming from China to the country, effective from January 5, should have a Covid-19 test 2 days before their travel and submit a negative test result.
Emphasizing that the said practice is “precautionary and temporary”, the statement said, “The situation is under review and the UK is working with China in the next steps. Interim measures will be reviewed if information sharing improves and there is greater transparency.” expression was used.
THE NETHERLANDS WILL DISTRIBUTE TEST TO PASSENGERS FROM CHINA
In a written statement, Dutch Health Minister Ernst Kuipers stated that he asked the State Institute for Health and Environment (RIVM) to intensify the inspection of sewage water around Schiphol Airport so that a possible new variant can be detected quickly.
Expressing that it is important to intensify efforts for the monitoring and surveillance of the virus in the Netherlands due to the developments in China, Kuipers said that as of January 5, passengers coming from China to the Netherlands will be given a free Covid-19 test at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and information about its use. noted that it will be given.
Kuipers drew attention to the fact that there is no legal basis yet to request a Covid-19 test or to require quarantine of these passengers upon entry to the country from passengers from China.
Pointing out that new measures can be taken if the situation regarding the Covid-19 outbreak in China worsens, Kuipers said, “I continue to monitor developments closely. In close cooperation with my European partners, I will take additional measures in the coming period if deemed necessary.” he said.
MANY COUNTRIES REQUIRE NEGATIVE TESTS
The European Union (EU), on the other hand, has not yet decided to tighten the rules for passengers from China.
Due to the increase in Covid-19 cases, countries such as the USA, Spain, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, India, Taiwan and Italy have introduced additional measures for passengers traveling from China, many of which have required negative test submissions.
China’s National Health Commission announced on December 26 that the treatment of Covid-19 as a “category A epidemic” from January 8, 2023 will cease, and the restrictions imposed under the Border Health and Quarantine Law will be lifted.
It was reported that with the new application, passengers coming from abroad will not have to obtain a health code from China’s embassies and consulates before traveling, and they will not be kept in central quarantine even if they are positive on arrival.