The U.S government considered imposing new Covid rules for travelers from China due to concerns over virus-related data reported by the Chinese government.
“There are mounting concerns in the international community on the ongoing COVID-19 surges in China and the lack of transparent data, including viral genomic sequence data, being reported from the PRC,” the officials said in a statement.
Japan will also tighten its border controls for travelers from China beginning December 30 in response to an increase in Covid-19 infections, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced Tuesday. Everyone arriving from China or having visited mainland China within the past seven days will need to take a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival.
After more than two years of harsh Covid curbs, Japan reopened its borders to tourists in October, providing travelers with proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test taken before departure.
The U.S. government also mentioned that Malaysia is also taking actions, while the World Health Organization (WHO) and India have shown their concern about the situation in China.
“The U.S. is following the science and advice of public health experts, consulting with partners, and considering taking similar steps we can take to protect the American people,” the officials said.
