China is loosening its strict zero-Covid policy for travelers in several key ways, but international visitors will still be required to jump through plenty of hoops.
Chinese authorities announced the end to the so-called “circuit breaker” policy of suspending airlines when five or more passengers on an inbound flight test positive for Covid. Passengers flying to China will be now only required to take one pre-departure Covid test within 48 hours of departure, rather than two, according to a notice from China’s State Council.
But international travelers without a permanent address in China will still need to spend a total of eight days quarantining in a hotel.
The Chinese government’s statement did not mention when the changes would take effect.
