International trade association IATA is disappointed that several countries reinstate COVID-19 testing and other measures for travellers from China. “Even though the virus is already circulating widely within their borders. It is extremely disappointing to see this knee-jerk reinstatement of measures that have proven ineffective over the last three years,” Willie Walsh, CEO of IATA said.
Yesterday, Europe announced a pre-departure coronavirus check for passengers from China entering the continent with discussions continuing today.
European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides added on Twitter that the wastewater will also be closely monitored, and asked European countries to improve stricter domestic surveillance.
Walsh said: “Research undertaken around the arrival of the Omicron variant concluded that putting barriers in the way of travel made no difference to the peak spread of infections. At most, restrictions delayed that peak by a few days. If a new variant emerges in any part of the world, the same situation would be expected.
That’s why governments should listen to the advice of experts, including the WHO, that advise against travel restrictions. We have the tools to manage COVID-19 without resorting to ineffective measures that cut off international connectivity, damage economies and destroy jobs. Governments must base their decisions on ‘science facts’ rather than ‘science politics’.
While China has significantly eased border measures, I urge the Chinese government to remove the need for pre-departure COVID-19 testing for those traveling to China.”
EU demands pre-departure coronavirus check for passengers from China entering Europe
Willie, ole buddy, ole pal…how much of a “consulting fee” did lying China pay you to say that? The letters s, t, f, and u come to mind immediately!
Aaahhh, poor China is upset because…, exactly, why are they upset? Because they’re on the receiving end of their “own medicine”? Too bad-deal with it.
Where were the critics when China was anal-swabbing (accidentally, of course), and other fun Covid related stuff, non-Chinese on arrival into China?
Where was the useless, corrupt media then?
Btw, is the Pooh Bear still in power?