Canada requires China travellers to test negative for Covid
- Canada’s new rules take effect on Thursday and apply to everyone two years of age and older arriving on flights from mainland China, Hong Kong or Macao
- Meanwhile, the EU will meet on January 4 to discuss a possible joint response from the bloc amid concerns over rising Covid cases in the Asian country
Canada on Saturday said it will require travellers on Canadian-bound flights departing China to test negative for Covid-19, amid concern over the country’s explosion of coronavirus cases.
The requirements, which take effect at 12.01am on Thursday, apply to all travellers two years of age and older arriving on flights in Canada originating from mainland China, Hong Kong or Macao.
Travellers will be required to provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test result, taken no more than two days before departure, to the airline prior to boarding.
The temporary measure will be in place for 30 days and be reassessed as more data becomes available, the Canadian government said.
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South Korea to require Covid-19 tests for travellers from China, joining US and Japan
EU countries, meanwhile, will meet next week to discuss a joint response to travellers from China, incoming EU presidency holder Sweden announced on Saturday.
“Sweden is seeking a common policy for the entire EU when it comes to the introduction of possible entry restrictions”, the Swedish government said in a statement.