Global Covid Screening Tightens After China Drops Zero-Covid
As Beijing ditches its zero-Covid policy, countries worldwide are scrambling to tighten border checks. Spain, the US, Italy, India, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan have all announced fresh Covid screening measures.
UK Warns of New Variant Threat
In the UK, Health Minister Will Quince has flagged the rise of new variants as the “key threat” on the Covid horizon. While Britain hasn’t imposed new entry tests, vigilance is high.
Spain and US Crack Down on Chinese Arrivals
- Spain has launched Covid checks on passengers arriving from China.
- From January 5, the US will require all travellers from China, Hong Kong, and Macao to show a negative Covid test taken within two days of the flight.
- Testing applies to all over two years old, including American citizens.
CDC Flags Lack of Data From Beijing
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made the move after a sharp rise in China’s Covid cases and concerns over Beijing’s “lack of adequate and transparent information,” especially missing genomic data on new viral strains. The scramble is on to spot any fresh threats before they spread worldwide.
