European Union member states reached an agreement on Wednesday evening on some precautions against travelers from China. Due to the worsening coronavirus situation in China, EU countries wanted a common approach for travelers from that country.
Among other things, EU member states will urge all passengers on flights to and from China to wear a medical mask during the flight.
Furthermore, the EU calls on member states to ask all passengers arriving in Europe from China to show a negative corona test before being allowed to enter the country of arrival. Countries can still decide on that rule for themselves.
Passengers are also reminded of hygiene rules during flights to and from China. Sewage from flights from China to Europe is being tested intensively for the presence of virus particles and possible coronavirus variants. The same goes for wastewater around European airports.
The measures will be introduced on Sunday. EU member states have agreed to check on a weekly basis whether the measures are having an effect and whether they need to be adjusted.
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Common European policy for travelers from China
Several European countries have already taken measures against flights and travelers from China on their own in recent days. Italy and Spain, among others, have required corona tests for travelers from China. Belgium has tested Chinese aircraft wastewater for variants of the coronavirus.
In the Netherlands, since Wednesday, travelers from China have been offered a self-test upon arrival at Schiphol. It’s not mandatory. KLM airline took further measures at the request of the flight crew.
Experts have already called for a common European corona policy, because measures taken by individual countries would have little effect. The EU does not yet consider an entry ban for travelers from China necessary.
The deal was announced by Sweden, currently President of the Council of the European Union. It is composed of a minister representing each member state. Which minister it is depends on the item on the agenda. The composition of the Board is therefore different each time. In this case, EU health ministers met.
