What’s new: Chinese citizens flying home from 26 countries must submit health information and recent travel records before boarding planes. Those failing to do so will face legal consequences, according to China’s civil aviation regulator.
The countries are Italy, the U.S., Spain, Germany, Iran, France, South Korea, Switzerland, the U.K., the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Australia, Brazil, Turkey, Malaysia, Denmark, Canada, Israel, the Czech Republic, Ireland, the Philippines and Thailand, according to a notice published Tuesday by the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the General Administration of Customs.
During a transition period April 8-22, passengers can provide the information through a WeChat mini program every day starting April 8. After April 22, they will be required to submit the information 14 days before their flights and report everyday till their flight dates.
Background: Official data suggest China has mostly controlled the domestic spread of Covid-19, but the country is now grappling with preventing those who may have contracted the virus abroad from starting a new wave of infections on their return. The country has implemented strict screening and quarantine for returnees.
About 90% of imported cases have been returning Chinese citizens, according to Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui. Almost half of them were overseas Chinese students.
Quick Takes are condensed versions of China-related stories for fast news you can use.
Contact reporter Denise Jia (huijuanjia@caixin.com) and editor Bob Simison (bobsimison@caixin.com)
