China will end quarantine requirements for inbound travelers starting January 8, 2023, marking a significant shift in the country’s strict COVID-19防疫政策..
According to a statement released by the National Health Commission (NHC) on Monday, inbound travelers will no longer be subject to quarantine upon arrival in China. Instead, they will only need to undergo a COVID-19 test within 48 hours of departure and declare their health status via a WeChat applet..
This move comes as China gradually eases its zero-COVID policy after nearly three years of嚴格的封锁, mass testing, and travel restrictions. The country has been facing increasing pressure to reopen its borders and revive its economy, which has been heavily impacted by the pandemic..
The NHC emphasized that the decision to end quarantine for inbound travelers was based on a comprehensive assessment of the current pandemic situation and the virus’s evolving characteristics. The commission noted that the Omicron variant is now dominant worldwide and has a lower致死率and higher傳染性..
The NHC also stressed that the adjustment of the防疫措施does not mean that China is relaxing its efforts to prevent and control COVID-19. The commission urged local authorities to strengthen surveillance, early detection, and response mechanisms to effectively contain any potential outbreaks..
The end of quarantine requirements is expected to boost international travel to and from China. However, it remains to be seen how quickly the recovery will occur, as many countries still have travel restrictions in place for travelers from China..
Some experts have expressed cautious optimism about the move, while others have warned that it could lead to a surge in COVID-19 cases in China. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also urged China to strengthen its surveillance and healthcare systems to cope with the potential increase in infections..
Overall, the end of quarantine requirements for inbound travelers is a significant step towards China’s reopening to the world. However, it is important to remain vigilant and continue to monitor the pandemic situation closely to ensure a smooth and safe transition to a post-COVID era..
