Due to the epidemiological situation in China, a compulsory coronavirus test was recently introduced in the UK for all travelers from China. Regardless of test results, none of the tourists will have to go into quarantine – writes the Guardian.
The Minister of Transport justified this by saying that tourists are only being tested for the purpose of data collection, and additional epidemiological measures are not considered necessary at the present time.
The coronavirus epidemic broke out again in China after strict restrictions on going out began after two and a half years in the fall. The quarantine rule for those arriving in the country has been abolished, restrictions on the number of flights have also been lifted, and from January 8, Chinese people who plan to travel abroad can apply again for a passport. However, the number of Chinese people traveling abroad has already risen dramatically, which is why many European countries, as well as the United Kingdom, France and Italy, have made screening of passengers arriving from China at airports compulsory. Union health government officials will discuss whether the European Union will introduce coordinated action on Wednesday.
The British government previously announced (similar to the USA) that airlines will be required to check that passengers arriving from China have tested negative for Covid-19 before departure, and passengers will be required to present the negative result upon arrival in the country. From January 8, the UK’s Health Safety Agency will also test passengers arriving in England from China.
Asked if people coming into the UK from China who test positive for Covid should be placed in quarantine, Transport Secretary Mark Harper told LBC: “No, because we only collect this information for monitoring purposes. It is primarily about gathering information.” which the Chinese government does not share with the international community.”
He added that the most important thing at the present time is that the level of vaccination in the country is high, and that vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, receive the fourth vaccination.
