From today, travelers arriving in the Netherlands from China must present a negative corona test. We have received many questions about this measure on our NUjij response platform. Some readers fear this could lead to tough new measures. There is no doubt: in the Netherlands we have nothing to fear for the moment thanks to acquired immunity. The measures are mainly intended to monitor the developments of the virus in China.
What exactly are the rules for travelers from China?
From Tuesday 10 January, people flying from China to the Netherlands must present a negative test result before boarding the plane. This may be a simple quick test, but the test cannot be more than 48 hours before departure.
Travelers are reminded by airlines of the mandatory test before departure. Travelers are also advised that they may be refused if they do not have a negative test certificate. The GGD checks the tests upon arrival in the Netherlands. The Marechaussee is responsible for enforcement and can impose fines on people without proof of testing.
In addition to the mandatory test, travelers are strongly advised to wear a medical mask during the flight. In addition, the wastewater around Schiphol is being examined for the presence of virus particles. Minister Ernst Kuipers (Public Health) is investigating whether it is also possible to examine the toilet water of Chinese aircraft for new variants.
Do other European countries have the same measurements as the Netherlands?
Yes, within the European Union. After several countries single-handedly took measures against travelers from China, virologists have already said that a joint European approach was needed. Last week, EU member states became one one time on some precautions. However, EU member states have been given the freedom to deviate from this. Some countries have therefore strongly advised against travel to China.
Does the mandatory test for travelers from China make sense?
In the Netherlands, we generally no longer have to worry about an infection. The accumulated immunity here is much greater than in China, because many people have been vaccinated or have recovered from an infection. The doctor-microbiologist Andreas Voss therefore thinks that it is mainly about symbolic politics, he tells NU.nl.
“I see it mainly as a way to prevent all European countries from having different policies. Holland wants to appear unambiguous. But with a measure like this it doesn’t stop the introduction of viruses. Travelers can enter and travel across the Europe in other ways.”
According to Voss, the Netherlands primarily wants to draw attention to the corona problem. “With the test certificate you prevent people who are really sick from getting on the plane. So you prevent some infections, but it will still arrive in the Netherlands.”
Does mandatory testing help keep an eye out for new variants?
As in the Netherlands, the relatively mild omikron variant of the corona virus is dominant in China. But it’s always possible that a new variant will emerge, which behaves differently than the variants we have here right now. Due to the current corona wave and large population in China, this possibility is greater. However, according to Voss, the mandatory tests do not contribute much to the search for new variants.
“There’s always the possibility that a variant of the coronavirus will show up. If it appears in China, then you know that a new variant is circulating there anyway. The problem is: you don’t know what else is going on in China. You can’t. I don’t know how many others walk around.
The latter because there are many doubts about the data shared by the Chinese government. Virologist Marion Koopmans told NU.nl “it looks like we won’t get good information on the actual size in China.” Belgian virologist Steven Van Gucht She said whereupon the testing obligation also has the purpose of “verifying whether the data we officially receive from China is correct”.
“The only way to open up about variations is to talk about it politically,” Voss says. “The numbers we’re seeing now make it look like the situation in the UMCG is worse than in China. The data gives us insight into the variants, but it also answers the question of whether and how we can help China.”
How long will the measures apply?
This is not yet known. EU health ministers agreed last week to review whether measures are needed on a weekly basis. Voss doesn’t think it makes sense to hold the fit for long.
“A mutation of the virus can also come from Italy, France or Germany. Of course, it is more likely to come here from China, due to the corona wave and the large population, but it cannot be prevented.”
The Netherlands and other EU countries probably want to first make sure that the corona situation in China is under control. Koopmans predicted in a conversation with NU.nl that the corona wave China is experiencing now will be less severe than the first wave in the Netherlands in 2020.
