Travelers boarding in China bound for France will have to present a negative Covid-19 screening test at the start of their flight, the French government announced on Friday December 30. The UK is also set to take a similar step, UK media have reported.
As coronavirus cases soar in China, France and UK join Italy and Spain among European countries imposing restrictions as EU fails to talk with one voice on this subject.
All travelers from China to France, by a direct flight or with a stopover, will have to bring proof of a negative test (PCR or antigen) of less than 48 hours on departure, said a government source during a press conference.
Mandatory mask wearing
Other tests will be carried out on arrival on a random basis, the positive samples being the subject of sequencing in order to detect possible new variants of the virus. The travellers “will be engaged” at the beginning “to isolate” if they test positive on arrival, the government source said.
In addition, wearing a mask will be compulsory on board flights departing from China to France. A decree from Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne on these restrictive measures will be published over the weekend. “and notified to the European Commission and EU Member States”says a government statement.