China will temporarily ban the entry of foreigners into the country, even with valid visas and residence permits, as an emergency measure to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement on Thursday (26.03.2020).
"In view of the rapid spread of Covid-19 around the world, China will temporarily suspend entry into the country of foreign citizens with visas or residence permits valid at the time of this announcement. The measure takes effect at midnight on March 28."Says the statement.
Foreign Affairs adds that China “has been forced” to make this decision “in light of the outbreak situation and the practices of other countries”, with the aim of stopping the so-called “casesimported"coronavirus cases, which continue to increase in the Asian giant.
"China will keep in close contact with all parties and appropriately handle personnel exchanges with the rest of the world under special circumstances. Measures will be calibrated in light of the evolving situation and announced accordingly.", the note states.
He also added that only a few exceptions will be made for foreigners who are part of the diplomatic staff or holders of "C" visas, which are granted to international transport service personnel.
Likewise, "Foreign citizens who must travel to China to participate in economic, commercial, scientific or technological activities necessary” can apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates.
On the other hand, starting from March 29, The country's airlines will only be able to operate a single flight per week to each foreign country they travel to., while foreign airlines will only be able to maintain an air route with China with one flight per week, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) announced.
The CAAC is also asking airlines to submit applications in advance to establish their routes, Xinhua reports.
“ will also be takenstricter measures"to curb the spread of the virus on incoming and outgoing flights in the country, and to ensure that passenger loads remain below 75%, according to the CAAC, which added that it could further reduce international flights if necessary.
Chinese authorities are particularly afraid of a surge in so-called “deadly” cases.imported”: In the last 24 hours, 67 new cases of this type were diagnosed, a new record, and none at the local level, while the total number of imported cases now amounts to 541, according to the National Health Commission.
Last week, Beijing announced the diversion of its international flights to the Chinese capital as a measure to ensure that these cases do not continue to increase in the city.
In addition, the capital is requiring all arrivals from abroad to remain in hotels for 14 days, a measure that is already being applied in Shanghai.
The total number of infected people diagnosed in China since the start of the pandemic is 81,285, and 3,287 people have died.
Source: Reuters
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