China and Korea-bound Arrivals Also Face Simplified COVID Testing

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Chinese authorities have decided to simplify quarantine standards by reducing the number of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for arrivals from Korea.

The Chinese Embassy in Korea announced on the 19th that it has abolished the steps of PCR testing 7 days before boarding, PCR and antibody testing 48 hours before boarding, and PCR testing 12 hours before boarding. Starting from the 20th, passengers only need to take a PCR test once each at 48 hours and 12 hours before boarding.

Daily self-health monitoring from 7 days before boarding will also be eliminated.

However, those with a history of COVID-19 infection must take two PCR tests (at least 24 hours apart) at designated testing institutions to confirm recovery.

Besides Korea, countries whose entry regulations were eased on the same day include the United States, Thailand, Spain, United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Bangladesh, Egypt, Poland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sudan, and Serbia.

Korea was initially excluded from the list of countries with eased quarantine procedures reported by Chinese media on that day, but the Chinese Embassy in Korea announced it through its website at 5:30 PM.