Advertisement
China says it will track new Covid variants from inbound travellers
- A new control plan will also allow local authorities to curb gatherings and order workplaces and schools to go online
- The country is already battling a surge in cases and overseas travellers arriving ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday risk importing new variants
Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
3
China will monitor new Covid-19 variants from inbound travellers by collecting samples from hospitals and using genome sequencing under a new control plan announced on Saturday.
Advertisement
It will also allow local governments to reimpose restrictions on gatherings, order workplaces and schools to go online, and suspend “non-essential activities”, including events, performances and conferences.
The country has already seen a surge in cases after lifting restrictions last month, and is worried that the arrival of travellers from overseas poses a further rise after its borders reopen on Sunday.
The announcement coincides with the start of the Lunar New Year travel rush – the largest movement of people on the planet.
“Prevention and control measures are generally not required under normal circumstances,” said the statement, but added that “temporary measures may be taken, depending on the rate of infection in the population and the strain on medical resources”.
Advertisement
The new rules end quarantine for inbound travellers and people can now enter with a negative Covid test result taken within 48 hours of departure.
Advertisement