“Sweden called the meeting of the IPCR to discuss the current situation and the question of entry restrictions on travellers from China. It’s good that the EU has now adopted a common approach, providing conditions to manage the situation concertedly and effectively,” said Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health Jakob Forssmed.
The 28 EU Member States also, on the same day, agreed on a coordinated precautionary approach in the light of COVID-19 developments in China, especially considering the need for sufficient, reliable data and the easing of travel restrictions by China starting on 8th January 2023, along the lines set out below:
- The Member States agree to recommend to all passengers on flights to and from China to wear a medical mask, or FFP2/N95/KN95 respirators.
- The Member States agree to issue advice to incoming and outgoing international travellers coming from or destined for China, as well as to aircraft and airport personnel, regarding personal hygiene and health measures.
- The Member States are strongly encouraged to introduce, for all passengers departing from China to Member States, the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test taken not more than 48 hours prior to departure from China.
- The Member States are encouraged to complement these measures with:
- Random testing of passengers arriving from China on arrival in the Member States, as appropriate, and the sequencing of all positive results to strengthen surveillance of the epidemiological situation.
- Testing and sequencing of wastewater from airports with international flights and aircraft arriving from China.
- Continuing to promote vaccine sharing and the uptake of vaccines, including booster doses, particularly among vulnerable groups.
The IPCR, with the support of the ECDC and the EEAS, and taking into account WHO assessment, will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation in the EU and developments in China, including the level of data shared, with a view to ensuring EU coordination of any measures considered necessary.
The Member States agreed to assess the situation and review the introduced measures by mid-January 2023.
Story: Sweden2023.eu
Image: Government offices of Sweden
