England is now introducing mandatory Covid-19 tests for travellers from China.
Passengers arriving in England from 5 January on direct flights from China must present a negative coronary test, the British government announced on Friday evening in London.
Although there are no direct flights from China to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, the government is working to introduce the measure across the UK as soon as possible.
The precautionary measure will allow the UK to better detect possible new Covid-19 variants from China. From 8 January, random tests will also be conducted on passengers arriving in the UK.
Britain is thus following the example of Spain, France, Italy and the United States, among others, which have also already introduced or announced entry restrictions.
In Belgium, health experts from the Risk Management Group (RMG) will hold consultations on the situation next week, Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke announced on Friday.
China is currently experiencing a new wave of Coronavirus infections following the move by the government to abandon its strict zero-Covid policy.
Moreover, as of Jan. 8, Chinese nationals will be allowed to travel freely again.
Scientists warn that the Coronavirus wave could spawn new variants that would then find their way to other countries.
