EU has not yet decided to have mandatory COVID-19 tests for passengers from China

BRUSSELS

The EU has not yet decided Thursday if it will require coronavirus testing for those traveling from China.

But the US, Japan and Italy announced they will enforce new COVID-19 requirements for passengers from China, including negative tests.

Italy became the first Western country Wednesday to make COVID-19 tests mandatory for air passengers from China, which changed its zero-COVID policy.

The UK is considering imposing restrictions on passengers from China, its defense chief said Thursday.

Health authorities in EU countries discussed the issue and decided they would continue negotiations to reach a common stance on travel rules.

"We must act jointly and continue our talks," according to a statement following the meeting.

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said the coronavirus variant, BF.7, which is dominant in China, is already in Europe.

"We will remain vigilant. We are ready to take emergency measures if necessary," it said.

ECDC experts said there is no need for testing those coming from China, evaluating that the disease history and immunity with vaccinations are high in Europe so an increase in cases in China will not have a big effect on Europe.

China recently announced it would begin to ease pandemic measures, the biggest economy to opt for "living with Covid" following three years of lockdowns, closed borders and mandatory quarantine.