China’s strict Covid-19 border controls show more signs of easing, as Zhejiang province cuts entry quarantine
- Overseas arrivals to Zhejiang need spend only seven days in a central isolation facility, instead of 14
- Beijing and Wuhan among cities already following relaxed rule, as China seeks to repair damage to travel and aviation sectors
The eastern province of Zhejiang will now require overseas arrivals to do only seven days of central quarantine, followed by another seven in home isolation. Most mainland authorities earlier required inbound travellers to spend at least 14 days in a central quarantine facility, then a week of self-monitoring at home.
This new rule has already been in place since earlier this month in cities including the capital Beijing, Wuhan in central Hubei province, and Wuxi and Xuzhou in eastern Jiangsu province.
“The measures are to implement scientific and targeted Covid-19 control and efficiently integrate epidemic control and development of economy and society,” Zhejiang health authorities said in a statement on Wednesday.
This is the second major adjustment of quarantine rules for overseas arrivals to China within two months, after eight major cities cut central quarantine from 14 days to 10 for some groups in April.