The United States has announced that it will require negative COVID-19 tests for travelers from China, Hong Kong, and Macao, beginning on January 5th, 2023. This new policy applies to all air passengers over two years old from these regions. Tests must be taken within two days of departure, according to a US health official. However, travelers who test positive more than 10 days before a flight can provide documentation of recovery in lieu of a negative test result.
This announcement comes after Beijing announced on Monday that it would lift mandatory COVID quarantines for overseas arrivals from January 8th. This decision has prompted many in China to plan trips abroad. China has recently seen a surge in COVID-19 cases following the relaxation of its strict virus controls, known as “zero COVID” policies, which included lockdowns and extensive testing. These measures had effectively curbed the spread of the virus, but also led to public frustration and hindered economic growth.
US health officials have expressed concern about the lack of transparency and data sharing by the Chinese government regarding the recent increase in COVID cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the country. They have also noted a decrease in testing in China, which makes it difficult to accurately assess the infection rate. A US health official stated that the lack of genomic data from China is making it “increasingly difficult for public health officials to ensure that they will be able to identify any potential new variants and take prompt measures to reduce the spread.”
Several other countries, including India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, and Taiwan, have also implemented pandemic-related travel restrictions for passengers from China. The UK is reportedly considering similar measures, including testing for arrivals from China. Australia has not changed its travel rules, but the government has indicated that it will consider “appropriate advice from the health experts.”