China also enforces 'COVID lockdown'... Beijing "Entry restrictions via third countries"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Beijing authorities in China have decided to block entry of foreigners transiting through a third country. This measure is to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) ahead of the Lunar New Year.

According to local media including China Central Television (CCTV) on the 27th, Beijing's epidemic prevention authorities announced the day before that foreigners transiting on direct flights to Beijing from a third country will be prohibited from entering.

Foreigners who are neither nationals of the departure country nor Chinese citizens will therefore be unable to use international direct flights to Beijing. If they do not meet the conditions during the pre-boarding stay history investigation, they will not be issued a health status certificate, and passengers on direct flights from Hong Kong to Beijing must submit a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued within 7 days.

Since the 15th, Beijing has been experiencing daily occurrences of community infections. In some areas, the UK variant of the virus has been detected, and it is analyzed that imported confirmed cases have caused 'Nth generation infections' within the community.

China is effectively implementing movement restrictions. Beijing authorities urged people to refrain from traveling to other regions, going abroad, gatherings, and returning home for the Lunar New Year holiday in mid-January, and the Civil Aviation Administration of China has decided to waive fees for refunds or changes of flight tickets booked during the special Lunar New Year transportation period, Chunwon (January 28 to March 8).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.