Covid: entry restrictions for Chinese travellers?
China has seen a surge in Covid cases after lifting its zero-Covid policy, increasing the risk of mutations. Many countries including Italy, France and Spain have introduced compulsory testing for travellers from China, but Germany is pinning its hopes on the high vaccination rate among its population. Europe's press discusses whether the time has come for a pan-European strategy.
The virus has carte blanche in Europe
In not acting together Europe runs the risk of a repetition of the 2020 disaster, Kurier warns:
“There is a sense of déjà vu here: it was around this time three years ago that the first news arrived in Europe of a virus that was spreading rapidly in China and about to make its way here. ... There is no avoiding it. Now we are once again looking to China in disbelief and trepidation. ... Italy, like France and Spain, is demanding that incoming Chinese take Covid tests - with one out of two testing positive! - and urging the EU to do the same across the board. But in emergency situations things are generally not done uniformly in Europe. ... Meanwhile, the virus is laughing gleefully. Because it's faster.”
Vigilance is the minimum requirement
The EU authorities must monitor the situation in China closely, Turun Sanomat urges:
“The Covid situation in China is not as rosy as the authorities claim. ... The EU health agency considers mandatory Covid tests for travellers from China unnecessary. ... In its view, Covid is so prevalent that the impact of Chinese tourists, even in a worst-case scenario, will be minor. Moreover, new variants can emerge anywhere, and it is very difficult to prevent their spread. ... The situation is serious. The Chinese need to provide updated and more detailed information. The Covid situation there requires close and continuous monitoring by the health authorities.”
Vaccines are more effective
The Daily Telegraph disapproves of the new rules under which people entering the UK from China now have to present a negative Covid test:
“The return of travel restrictions in the West is a worrying moment. Mass vaccination, particularly of the vulnerable, was meant to have given our societies confidence that we could live without fear, even of new variants. ... Too often, at the height of the pandemic, ministers introduced restrictive measures without even bothering to ask whether the harms they caused outweighed any benefits. It is to be hoped that they have learned their lesson.”
Soon everyone will be immune
Europe - and tourists from China - just need to be patient for a few weeks, Új Szó comments:
“Although the analysis of the tests so far has shown that those entering the country were infected with the Omicron variant, caution is warranted across Europe. ... Given the number of infections, this should not be necessary for long, because the epidemic will sweep through the country in a few weeks, boosting natural immunity and making travel safe(r) for everyone. ... Instead of resentment, all we need is a little patience so that we can soon welcome Chinese tourists again.”