As data related to the recent Covid surge in China remains shrouded in mystery, more countries are imposing mandatory testing requirements on arrivals from China. The latest Australia, Canada and Morocco have imposed these precautionary measures.

China braces up to mitigate Covid surge, Taiwan offers 'necessary assistance'

Morocco to ban travelers from China; Sweden seeks joint response from EU

<p>Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Sunday (January 1) said Taiwan was ready to provide "necessary assistance" to China to help it deal with the fresh wave of Covid infections. She also noted that Chinese military activities near the island were not beneficial to peace and stability.</p>

<p>China, last month, abruptly relaxed its ultra-strict 'Zero-Covid' policy. This has led to a steep spike in number of new infections. As per some international health experts, Covid is spreading through China largely unchecked and may be infecting millions of people a day.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | China: Covid-19 cases on the rise, WHO urges to share real-time data</strong></p>

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<p>Tsai, in her traditional new year message, delivered at the presidential office, said everyone had seen the rise in cases in China.</p>

<p>"As long as there is a need, based on the position of humanitarian care, we are willing to provide the necessary assistance to help more people get out of the pandemic and have a healthy and safe new year," she said, without elaborating.</p>

<p>China considers Taiwan to be Chinese territory and has not ruled out the use of force to control the self-governing island.</p>

<p>Taiwan and China have repeatedly sparred over their respective measures to control the spread of Covid.</p>

<p>China had criticised Taiwan for ineffective management of the pandemic after soaring domestic infections last year, while Taiwan has accused China of a lack of transparency and trying to interfere with vaccine supplies to Taiwan, which Beijing has denied.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/light-of-hope-in-front-of-us-xi-jinping-weighs-in-on-covid-situation-in-new-year-address-548368">'Light of hope in front of us': Xi Jinping calls for more efforts, unity to tackle Covid in 2023</a></strong></p>

<p>Tsai reiterated a call for dialogue with China, saying war was not an option to resolve problems.</p>

<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his New Year address on Saturday evening, made only brief reference of Taiwan, saying people on either side of the Taiwan Strait "are members of one and the same family", and made no mention of seeking to bring the island under Chinese control.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Sunday (January 1) said Taiwan was ready to provide "necessary assistance" to China to help it deal with the fresh wave of Covid infections.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Sunday (January 1) said Taiwan was ready to provide "necessary assistance" to China to help it deal with the fresh wave of Covid infections. She also noted that Chinese military activities near the island were not beneficial to peace and stability. China, last month, abruptly relaxed its ultra-strict 'Zero-Covid' policy. This has led to a steep spike in number of new infections. As per some international health experts, Covid is spreading through China largely unchecked and may be infecting millions of people a day. Watch | China: Covid-19 cases on the rise, WHO urges to share real-time data × Tsai, in her traditional new year message, delivered at the presidential office, said everyone had seen the rise in cases in China. "As long as there is a need, based on the position of humanitarian care, we are willing to provide the necessary assistance to help more people get out of the pandemic and have a healthy and safe new year," she said, without elaborating. China considers Taiwan to be Chinese territory and has not ruled out the use of force to control the self-governing island. Taiwan and China have repeatedly sparred over their respective measures to control the spread of Covid. China had criticised Taiwan for ineffective management of the pandemic after soaring domestic infections last year, while Taiwan has accused China of a lack of transparency and trying to interfere with vaccine supplies to Taiwan, which Beijing has denied. Also Read | 'Light of hope in front of us': Xi Jinping calls for more efforts, unity to tackle Covid in 2023 Tsai reiterated a call for dialogue with China, saying war was not an option to resolve problems. Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his New Year address on Saturday evening, made only brief reference of Taiwan, saying people on either side of the Taiwan Strait "are members of one and the same family", and made no mention of seeking to bring the island under Chinese control. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Taiwan offers help to China in tackling fresh spate of Covid-19 infections

Working from home became the norm during the pandemic. Will 2023 be about returning to offices or will a hybrid work model become the norm? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Will 2023 be about returning to offices?

Coronavirus hasn't been eliminated, but the world has learnt to live with the virus. New variants keep emerging. Will advanced vaccines stop the infections? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Potential vaccine breakthroughs in 2023

The world bids adieu to 2022. A year marked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Covid-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, the people around the world are welcoming or set to welcome 2023.

The World bids adieu to 2022; amid Covid restrictions, war, world rings in 2023

Three years after the world recorded its first ever case of coronavirus, the central Chinese city of Wuhan and the rest of China once again is in the news thanks to a massive surge in Covid-19 infections.

China: Covid-19 cases on the rise, WHO urges to share real-time data

As more and more countries are imposing restrictions on travellers from China amid the recent surge in cases in the country, Beijing’s state media, called these mandates 'discriminatory'. WHO also urged China's health officials to regularly share specific and real-time information on the situation of the pandemic.

WHO calls up China to step up Covid response, urges to share more Covid data too

<p>Over 40 per cent Covid cases in the United States in the week of December 31 were of Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5, according to Epidemiologist Dr Eric Feigl-Ding, who cited data from the US Centers for Disease Control (US CDC) to lay the claim.&nbsp;According to Dr Eric Feigl-Ding, the new variant is more immune evasive and better at infecting as compared to its predecessors.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/2022-the-year-of-coronavirus-and-its-variants-548182">2022: The year of coronavirus and its variants</a></strong></p>

<p>"Ironically, probably the worst variant that the world is facing right now is actually XBB," Dr Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, was quoted as saying by Reuters.</p>

<p>Recombinants of the BA.2 variant, XBB and XBB.1.5 together accounted for 44.1 per cent of the total cases in the United States for the week ended December 31. For the week ended December 24, XBB.1.5 had made up 21.7 per cent of the total cases.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-splinters-into-multiple-variants-what-is-the-xbb-covid-strain-526318">Covid-19 splinters into multiple variants; What is the XBB covid strain?</a></strong></p>

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<p>The XBB variant has been driving up cases in parts of Asia, including Singapore. While some experts have said it is more transmissible, it has not resulted in a surge in hospitalisations. India has also reported its first case of Omicron variant 'XXB.1.5', responsible for the surge in Covid cases in New York.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US CDC started reporting data for the two subvariants separately this week, and the updated numbers reflect that XBB accounted for 3.6 per cent of the total cases compared with 4.2 per cent in the previous week.</p>

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Over 40 per cent Covid cases in the United States in the week of December 31 were of Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5, according to Epidemiologist Dr Eric Feigl-Ding, who cited data from the US Centers for Disease Control (US CDC) to lay the claim.

Over 40 per cent Covid cases in the United States in the week of December 31 were of Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5, according to Epidemiologist Dr Eric Feigl-Ding, who cited data from the US Centers for Disease Control (US CDC) to lay the claim. According to Dr Eric Feigl-Ding, the new variant is more immune evasive and better at infecting as compared to its predecessors. ALSO READ | 2022: The year of coronavirus and its variants "Ironically, probably the worst variant that the world is facing right now is actually XBB," Dr Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, was quoted as saying by Reuters. Recombinants of the BA.2 variant, XBB and XBB.1.5 together accounted for 44.1 per cent of the total cases in the United States for the week ended December 31. For the week ended December 24, XBB.1.5 had made up 21.7 per cent of the total cases. WATCH | Covid-19 splinters into multiple variants; What is the XBB covid strain? × The XBB variant has been driving up cases in parts of Asia, including Singapore. While some experts have said it is more transmissible, it has not resulted in a surge in hospitalisations. India has also reported its first case of Omicron variant 'XXB.1.5', responsible for the surge in Covid cases in New York. The US CDC started reporting data for the two subvariants separately this week, and the updated numbers reflect that XBB accounted for 3.6 per cent of the total cases compared with 4.2 per cent in the previous week. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Covid in USA: Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 accounts for over 40 per cent cases

<p>Manufacturing activities in China witnessed a sharp decline in December &nbsp;2022, according to the official data released by China's national bureau for statistics (NBS). The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) recorded in December 2022 was down to 47, compared to 48 in the previous month.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>China's sudden relaxation of its zero-Covid policy, followed by the rapid spread of COVID-19, has hurt the nation's overall production. The PMI is a fundamental measure in the world's second-biggest economy, and a recording below 50 indicates a downturn in factory activities. NBS obtains the PMI from a survey of large-scale and state-owned companies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read|<a href="www.wionews.com/world/china-looking-at-indian-market-for-approved-covid-19-drugs-as-demand-increases-547447">&nbsp;</a></strong><a href="www.wionews.com/world/china-looking-at-indian-market-for-approved-covid-19-drugs-as-demand-increases-547447">China looking at Indian market for approved COVID-19 drugs as demand increases</a></p>

<p>Since February 2020, China did not see such a steep contraction in manufacturing activities. The rapidly plunging output (December vs November) was 44.6 vs 47.8. The new orders received were 43.9, and export sales were 44.2 vs 46.7.</p>

<p>Purchasing activity declined for the third time in a row, and the employment rate decreased sharply. With the most profound fall in the last eight months, the buying activity was 44.9 vs 47.1, and the employment rate was 44.8 vs 47.4.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;WHO calls up China to step up Covid response, urges to share more Covid data too</strong></p>

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<p>The input cost rose steeply for the fourth month&nbsp;running, while the output charges lengthened for the eighth successive month. Furthermore, delivery time grew significantly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the fact remains that the PMI has not contracted up to this extent in nearly three years. While this is concerning, Trading Economics predicted the business confidence (PMI) as 49.5 by the end of this quarter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The average PMI of China is 51.45 from 2005 to 2022. It peaked in April 2008 at 59.2 points and recorded its lowest at 35.7 in February 2020. According to the global macro model and analysts' anticipations, the PMI might trend around 52 points in 2023 and 51 in 2024.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Manufacturing activities in China witnessed a sharp decline in December 2022, according to the official data released by China's national bureau for statistics (NBS).

Manufacturing activities in China witnessed a sharp decline in December 2022, according to the official data released by China's national bureau for statistics (NBS). The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) recorded in December 2022 was down to 47, compared to 48 in the previous month. China's sudden relaxation of its zero-Covid policy, followed by the rapid spread of COVID-19, has hurt the nation's overall production. The PMI is a fundamental measure in the world's second-biggest economy, and a recording below 50 indicates a downturn in factory activities. NBS obtains the PMI from a survey of large-scale and state-owned companies. Also read| China looking at Indian market for approved COVID-19 drugs as demand increases Since February 2020, China did not see such a steep contraction in manufacturing activities. The rapidly plunging output (December vs November) was 44.6 vs 47.8. The new orders received were 43.9, and export sales were 44.2 vs 46.7. Purchasing activity declined for the third time in a row, and the employment rate decreased sharply. With the most profound fall in the last eight months, the buying activity was 44.9 vs 47.1, and the employment rate was 44.8 vs 47.4. Watch | WHO calls up China to step up Covid response, urges to share more Covid data too The input cost rose steeply for the fourth month running, while the output charges lengthened for the eighth successive month. Furthermore, delivery time grew significantly. However, the fact remains that the PMI has not contracted up to this extent in nearly three years. While this is concerning, Trading Economics predicted the business confidence (PMI) as 49.5 by the end of this quarter. The average PMI of China is 51.45 from 2005 to 2022. It peaked in April 2008 at 59.2 points and recorded its lowest at 35.7 in February 2020. According to the global macro model and analysts' anticipations, the PMI might trend around 52 points in 2023 and 51 in 2024. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China's manufacturing activity plunges in December amid Covid flare-up after ease in curbs

China, Covid and Secrecy: WHO urges China to share real-time data

<p>The French health system is under immense pressure as the authorities informed that the nation faces a triple epidemic—of coronavirus, flu, and bronchiolitis. The nationwide strike by doctors and emergency services has made the situation even worse.&nbsp;Earlier this week, on Wednesday, French Health Minister François Braun said that the respiratory infection is affecting children under two and the strike is forcing patients to go to hospitals for consultation instead of their local GP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Health Minister François Braun had also warned that this was a week of great danger for the national health system. Braun issued an alert because the general practitioners continue their strike for higher consultation fees and improved conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, France said on Friday (December 30) that it would require travellers arriving from China to show a negative Covid test report. Amid a rise in positive cases in China, countries like Italy and Spain have also taken similar decisions.&nbsp;<br />
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France will now require travellers boarding a flight from China to show a negative Covid test report&nbsp;fewer than 48 hours old with their boarding pass, with random tests carried out on passengers on arrival. The government also said that the positive tests will be sequenced to check for new variants.&nbsp;</p>

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The French health system is under immense pressure as the authorities informed that the nation faces a triple epidemic—of coronavirus, flu, and bronchiolitis. The nationwide strike by doctors and emergency services has made the situation even worse.

The French health system is under immense pressure as the authorities informed that the nation faces a triple epidemic—of coronavirus, flu, and bronchiolitis. The nationwide strike by doctors and emergency services has made the situation even worse. Earlier this week, on Wednesday, French Health Minister François Braun said that the respiratory infection is affecting children under two and the strike is forcing patients to go to hospitals for consultation instead of their local GP. Health Minister François Braun had also warned that this was a week of great danger for the national health system. Braun issued an alert because the general practitioners continue their strike for higher consultation fees and improved conditions. Meanwhile, France said on Friday (December 30) that it would require travellers arriving from China to show a negative Covid test report. Amid a rise in positive cases in China, countries like Italy and Spain have also taken similar decisions. France will now require travellers boarding a flight from China to show a negative Covid test report fewer than 48 hours old with their boarding pass, with random tests carried out on passengers on arrival. The government also said that the positive tests will be sequenced to check for new variants. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France makes Covid test mandatory for travellers from China; as it faces ‘triple epidemic’

The COVID pandemic has given birth to new dating trends. "Situationships" became the norm, as people actively looked for no-strings-attached relationships. 'Ghosting' and 'Haunting' also became famous as daters hopped on and off potential matches. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Decoding the dating trends of 2022

<p>The European Union’s health agency has termed screening of travellers from China, which is experiencing a resurgent Covid outbreak, as “unjustified”, saying that such measures are not required to be re-introduced in the European countries.</p>

<p>Several countries including the US, Italy, India, and Australia have announced Covid screening measures.</p>

<p>The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control believed that such measures were unnecessary as the surge was "not expected to impact" the EU.</p>

<p>“High levels of Covid in China are anticipated given the country's low immunity and recent relaxation of its rules,” the ECDC said in a statement on Thursday, after the health officials concluded the talks on response in Brussels.</p>

<p>“But higher immunity in the EU means a Covid surge in China is not expected to impact the bloc.”</p>

<p>The health agency argued that the COVID-19 variants circulating in China are already present in the EU, and the chances of potential imported infections rather "rather low".</p>

<h2><strong>Gravitas: China sends infected flights to Milan, half of the passengers test positive</strong></h2>

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<p>“And citizens in the bloc have relatively high vaccination and immunisation.”</p>

<p>The recommendations provided by the EU are advisory in nature, and each nation is free to make its own policies, like Italy.</p>

<p>"We remain vigilant and will be ready to use the emergency brake if necessary," the ECDC said.</p>

<p>Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni raised concerns about the EU’s recommendations, saying that her country's efforts to curb COVID-19 transmissions from China would be undermined if other EU countries did not follow suit.</p>

<p>In the UK, a minister said&nbsp;the issue was "under review", reports BBC.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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The European Union’s health agency has termed screening of travellers from China, which is experiencing a resurgent Covid outbreak, as “unjustified”, saying that such measures are not required to be re-introduced in the European countries.

The European Union’s health agency has termed screening of travellers from China, which is experiencing a resurgent Covid outbreak, as “unjustified”, saying that such measures are not required to be re-introduced in the European countries. Several countries including the US, Italy, India, and Australia have announced Covid screening measures. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control believed that such measures were unnecessary as the surge was "not expected to impact" the EU. “High levels of Covid in China are anticipated given the country's low immunity and recent relaxation of its rules,” the ECDC said in a statement on Thursday, after the health officials concluded the talks on response in Brussels. “But higher immunity in the EU means a Covid surge in China is not expected to impact the bloc.” The health agency argued that the COVID-19 variants circulating in China are already present in the EU, and the chances of potential imported infections rather "rather low". Gravitas: China sends infected flights to Milan, half of the passengers test positive “And citizens in the bloc have relatively high vaccination and immunisation.” The recommendations provided by the EU are advisory in nature, and each nation is free to make its own policies, like Italy. "We remain vigilant and will be ready to use the emergency brake if necessary," the ECDC said. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni raised concerns about the EU’s recommendations, saying that her country's efforts to curb COVID-19 transmissions from China would be undermined if other EU countries did not follow suit. In the UK, a minister said the issue was "under review", reports BBC. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

EU terms screening travellers from China ‘unjustified’, says ‘not expected to impact’ European nations

Amidst the global alarm of surge the Covid-19 cases in China, the WHO has said that the restrictions imposed by some countries on travelers from China are understandable, given the lack of information from Beijing. At the moment, the WHO Chief has urged China to be more forthcoming on the pandemic situation in the country.

Global alarm over China's Covid surge, travel curbs imposed on Chinese travelers

As more and more countries are imposing restrictions on travellers from China amid the recent surge in cases in the country, Beijing’s state media, called these mandates “discriminatory”. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) chief, on Thursday, called the measures “understandable” given the lack of information from China.

WHO 'concerned’ on Covid situation in China, calls restrictions by countries ‘understandable’

<p>Japan on Wednesday (December 28) reported a record number of deaths. The nation recorded 415 COVID-19-related deaths, which is its highest-ever count for a single day.</p>

<p>The national tally of newly confirmed Covid cases on Wednesday stood at 216, 219. This is an approximately four per cent jump from last Wednesday when the number stood at &nbsp;206,943. In August Japan, recorded a high of 260,000 cases a day.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Japan records 415 new Covid deaths: Data</strong></p>

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<p>In the past week, Japan had the highest global number of infections. In terms of reported deaths, as per the World Health Organization (WHO), while the United States recorded the highest number while Japan stood in second place.</p>

<p>The current outbreak as per Business Standard is the nation's eighth wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> infections.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-after-japan-india-and-malaysia-now-us-mulls-stricter-rules-for-travellers-from-china-547206">COVID-19 | After Japan, India and Malaysia, now US mulls stricter rules for travellers from China</a></strong></p>

<p>Japan as per IANS has seen a total death tally of 55,000 with more than 28 million cases nationwide.</p>

<p>This uptick in cases as per the Japan Times comes after the government in October ended curbs that have for two and a half years barred tourists from entering the nation. Following this, in November, Japan had nearly one million visitors.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/china-a-fertile-breeding-ground-for-a-potentially-dangerous-covid-mutation-experts-546567">China a 'fertile breeding ground' for a potentially dangerous Covid mutation: Experts</a></strong></p>

<p>The nation as per AFP has also imposed Covid curbs on visitors from China, requiring them to take Covid tests upon arrival. This as per Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has been done because of the "information that infection is spreading rapidly" in China.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Japan on Wednesday (December 28) reported a record number of deaths. The nation recorded 415 COVID-19-related deaths, which is its highest-ever count for a single day.

Japan on Wednesday (December 28) reported a record number of deaths. The nation recorded 415 COVID-19-related deaths, which is its highest-ever count for a single day. The national tally of newly confirmed Covid cases on Wednesday stood at 216, 219. This is an approximately four per cent jump from last Wednesday when the number stood at 206,943. In August Japan, recorded a high of 260,000 cases a day. Watch | Japan records 415 new Covid deaths: Data In the past week, Japan had the highest global number of infections. In terms of reported deaths, as per the World Health Organization (WHO), while the United States recorded the highest number while Japan stood in second place. The current outbreak as per Business Standard is the nation's eighth wave of COVID-19 infections. Also read | COVID-19 | After Japan, India and Malaysia, now US mulls stricter rules for travellers from China Japan as per IANS has seen a total death tally of 55,000 with more than 28 million cases nationwide. This uptick in cases as per the Japan Times comes after the government in October ended curbs that have for two and a half years barred tourists from entering the nation. Following this, in November, Japan had nearly one million visitors. Also read | China a 'fertile breeding ground' for a potentially dangerous Covid mutation: Experts The nation as per AFP has also imposed Covid curbs on visitors from China, requiring them to take Covid tests upon arrival. This as per Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has been done because of the "information that infection is spreading rapidly" in China. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan reports its highest-ever tally of Covid related deaths, 415 in one day

<p>Italy on Wednesday (December 28) introduced mandatory Covid testing for all passengers coming in from China. Country's health minister made an announcement in this regard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have ordered mandatory Covid-19 antigenic swabs, and related virus sequencing, for all passengers coming from China and transiting through Italy," minister Orazio Schillaci said. His office had given hints prior to the official announcement that such a measure may come into force.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Residents in Beijing, Shanghai back to work as China eases into living with Covid</strong></p>

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<p>"Surveillance and prevention, through sequencing, is essential to promptly identify any new variants that may cause concern and which are not at the moment in circulation in Italy," the ministry previously said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China has seen an explosion of fresh Covid cases. In an abrupt change in policy, China began dismantling its strict&nbsp;'zero Covid policy' to begin bringing its battered economy back on track. This has resulted in explosion of cases leaving the country's health system overwhelmed.</p>

<p>Italy's Lombardy region had already&nbsp;introduced Covid screening, even before minister Schillaci's announcement on Wednesday. Lombardy was the first region in Italy to impose lockdowns when coronavirus hit Europe in early 2020. According to Italy's foreign ministry, the regional authorities are testing arrivals from China at Milan's Malpensa airport at least till January 30.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-funeral-homes-hospitals-overwhelmed-even-as-official-covid-figures-remain-low-547294">China's funeral homes, hospitals overwhelmed even as official Covid figures remain low</a></strong></p>

<p>Swabs collected at Malpensa in recent days are being analysed by the national health ministry, to help identify any new variants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Coronavirus infections have surged in China as it unwinds hardline controls that had torpedoed the economy and sparked nationwide protests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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Italy on Wednesday (December 28) introduced mandatory Covid testing for all passengers coming in from China. Country's health minister made an announcement in this regard.

Italy on Wednesday (December 28) introduced mandatory Covid testing for all passengers coming in from China. Country's health minister made an announcement in this regard. "I have ordered mandatory Covid-19 antigenic swabs, and related virus sequencing, for all passengers coming from China and transiting through Italy," minister Orazio Schillaci said. His office had given hints prior to the official announcement that such a measure may come into force. Watch | Residents in Beijing, Shanghai back to work as China eases into living with Covid × "Surveillance and prevention, through sequencing, is essential to promptly identify any new variants that may cause concern and which are not at the moment in circulation in Italy," the ministry previously said. China has seen an explosion of fresh Covid cases. In an abrupt change in policy, China began dismantling its strict 'zero Covid policy' to begin bringing its battered economy back on track. This has resulted in explosion of cases leaving the country's health system overwhelmed. Italy's Lombardy region had already introduced Covid screening, even before minister Schillaci's announcement on Wednesday. Lombardy was the first region in Italy to impose lockdowns when coronavirus hit Europe in early 2020. According to Italy's foreign ministry, the regional authorities are testing arrivals from China at Milan's Malpensa airport at least till January 30. Also Read | China's funeral homes, hospitals overwhelmed even as official Covid figures remain low Swabs collected at Malpensa in recent days are being analysed by the national health ministry, to help identify any new variants. Coronavirus infections have surged in China as it unwinds hardline controls that had torpedoed the economy and sparked nationwide protests. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Italy makes Covid testing mandatory for all passengers coming from China

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There is no sign of new Covid-19 variants so far among passengers arriving in Italy from China in recent days, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said.

Italy detects no new Covid strain on tourists from China

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<p>In contrast to the precautionary steps many nations, including the United States, have taken, Britain on Thursday said it has no plans to impose any kind of curbs on travellers from China.&nbsp;As per an earlier report by the Telegraph, the nation was mulling over restrictions including requiring testing travellers for the deadly virus on arrival.</p>

<p>A spokesperson of the UK government said, "There are no plans to re-introduce COVID-19 testing or additional requirements for arrivals into the UK."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;China: Hospitals under siege as Covid crisis worsens</strong></p>

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<p>Just a day earlier, on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister had said that restrictions were not something the nation was looking at.</p>

<p>Australia too as per a Reuters report said that it will make no change to its rules for travellers from China. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said they are consulting heath experts but at the moment there is no change in travel advice, adding that they are monitoring "the situation, as we continue to monitor the impact of COVID here in Australia as well as around the world."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/passengers-travelling-from-china-to-us-now-need-to-show-negative-covid-test-547503">Passengers travelling from China to US now need to show negative Covid&nbsp; test report</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Recent days have seen nations stepping up precautionary measures involving travellers from China. These restrictions come as this month Beijing abruptly eased its once stringent zero-Covid rules that left much of its population vulnerable to infection and its healthcare infrastructure overwhelmed.</p>

<p>The United States has made mandatory a negative COVID-19 result. Passengers from China will have to submit to the airline before boarding a negative Covid test that needs to be done two days before flying. Italy on the other hand has ordered COVID-19 antigen swabs and virus sequencing for all travellers coming from China.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-after-japan-india-and-malaysia-now-us-mulls-stricter-rules-for-travellers-from-china-547206">COVID-19 | After Japan, India and Malaysia, now US mulls stricter rules for travellers from China</a></strong></p>

<p>Malaysia has put in place additional tracking and surveillance measures, Japan said it would require a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival. Meanwhile, India's health ministry said that travellers coming from "select&nbsp;countries" will have to undergo mandatory RT-PCR tests, additionally, two per cent of international passengers will have to submit to random tests.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In contrast to the precautionary steps many nations, including the United States, have taken, Britain on Thursday said it has no plans to impose any kind of curbs on travellers from China.

In contrast to the precautionary steps many nations, including the United States, have taken, Britain on Thursday said it has no plans to impose any kind of curbs on travellers from China. As per an earlier report by the Telegraph, the nation was mulling over restrictions including requiring testing travellers for the deadly virus on arrival. A spokesperson of the UK government said, "There are no plans to re-introduce COVID-19 testing or additional requirements for arrivals into the UK." Watch | China: Hospitals under siege as Covid crisis worsens Just a day earlier, on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister had said that restrictions were not something the nation was looking at. Australia too as per a Reuters report said that it will make no change to its rules for travellers from China. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said they are consulting heath experts but at the moment there is no change in travel advice, adding that they are monitoring "the situation, as we continue to monitor the impact of COVID here in Australia as well as around the world." Also read | Passengers travelling from China to US now need to show negative Covid test report Recent days have seen nations stepping up precautionary measures involving travellers from China. These restrictions come as this month Beijing abruptly eased its once stringent zero-Covid rules that left much of its population vulnerable to infection and its healthcare infrastructure overwhelmed. The United States has made mandatory a negative COVID-19 result. Passengers from China will have to submit to the airline before boarding a negative Covid test that needs to be done two days before flying. Italy on the other hand has ordered COVID-19 antigen swabs and virus sequencing for all travellers coming from China. Also read | COVID-19 | After Japan, India and Malaysia, now US mulls stricter rules for travellers from China Malaysia has put in place additional tracking and surveillance measures, Japan said it would require a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival. Meanwhile, India's health ministry said that travellers coming from "select countries" will have to undergo mandatory RT-PCR tests, additionally, two per cent of international passengers will have to submit to random tests. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK, Australia have no plans to impose Covid restrictions on travellers from China

Hospitals across China have been overwhelmed by an explosion of Covid cases following Beijing's decision to lift strict rules. Watch this video to know more.

China's Covid surge triggers global alarm

Due to spike in covid infections in China, the United States will require all visitors from China to present a negative Covid-19 test result before boarding a flight to the country.

U.S. will require Covid-19 testing for travellers from China

Hong Kong will end most of its strict Covid rules starting Thursday (December 29), meaning there will be no cap on public gatherings and the city's vaccine pass would also be scrapped. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee said that all virus-related measures would be cancelled apart from wearing masks which still remains mandatory.

Hong Kong to end most Covid rules apart from mandatory mask wearing

U.S., like India and other countries, to impose entry curbs for those coming from China

COVID-19 has spread globally since its discovery in Hubei province, China in December 2019. Let's have a look as to what are the causes of creation of the new virus variants.

What causes the creation of new virus variants?

Japan on Wednesday recorded 415 Covid deaths, the highest-ever count for a single day, health ministry data showed.

Japan records 415 new Covid deaths: Data

<p>China has announced that it will resume issuing regular visas and passports, marking yet another significant departure from the anti-virus constraints that kept the nation closed for nearly three years. This could result in a massive influx of Chinese citizens travelling abroad for the Lunar New Year holiday next month.</p>

<p>The move on Tuesday comes as President Xi Jinping's administration strives to reverse an economic downturn by making more drastic reforms that are pulling back some of the tightest anti-virus restrictions in the world. China's infection rate was kept low by regulations that kept millions of people inside their homes, but they also fostered popular unrest and stunted the country's economic development.</p>

<p>In response to the most recent decision, free-spending Chinese visitors may flock to economically struggling regions of Asia and Europe for the Lunar New Year, which starts on January 22.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When the COVID-19 pandemic first broke out in early 2020, China ceased providing passports and visas to outsiders.</p>

<p>As per National Immigration Administration of China, passport applications for Chinese tourists travelling overseas will begin to be accepted on January 8. It said that it will continue granting permission for travellers and entrepreneurs to go to Hong Kong, a region of China with independent border controls.</p>

<p>According to the organisation, it will accept applications for standard visas and residence permits. There was no mention of when full-scale international tourist travel may be permitted; it was just said that the administration will "gradually restart" permitting foreign tourists.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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China has announced that it will resume issuing regular visas and passports, marking yet another significant departure from the anti-virus constraints that kept the nation closed for nearly three years.

China has announced that it will resume issuing regular visas and passports, marking yet another significant departure from the anti-virus constraints that kept the nation closed for nearly three years. This could result in a massive influx of Chinese citizens travelling abroad for the Lunar New Year holiday next month. The move on Tuesday comes as President Xi Jinping's administration strives to reverse an economic downturn by making more drastic reforms that are pulling back some of the tightest anti-virus restrictions in the world. China's infection rate was kept low by regulations that kept millions of people inside their homes, but they also fostered popular unrest and stunted the country's economic development. In response to the most recent decision, free-spending Chinese visitors may flock to economically struggling regions of Asia and Europe for the Lunar New Year, which starts on January 22. When the COVID-19 pandemic first broke out in early 2020, China ceased providing passports and visas to outsiders. As per National Immigration Administration of China, passport applications for Chinese tourists travelling overseas will begin to be accepted on January 8. It said that it will continue granting permission for travellers and entrepreneurs to go to Hong Kong, a region of China with independent border controls. According to the organisation, it will accept applications for standard visas and residence permits. There was no mention of when full-scale international tourist travel may be permitted; it was just said that the administration will "gradually restart" permitting foreign tourists. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China to resume issuing regular visas, passports as Covid curbs relax

Amid the fourth coronavirus wave scare, we often ask ourselves if contaminated food can spread the COVID-19 infection. Even though there isn't a definite answer for this, new research suggests that the virus can linger on some foods for days and sometimes even weeks.

Can coronavirus spread through food?

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