So now it is: on the recommendation of the EU, Austria is now also introducing a mandatory Covid test for travelers from China. That has been officially known since Thursday afternoon. “Austria will introduce a mandatory pre-departure test,” the health ministry said.
According to the ministry, further details are currently being prepared. Germany, Sweden and Belgium had previously announced that they would provide proof of this when traveling from China.
Austria is testing wastewater from aircraft from China
In the future, travelers from China will need at least one rapid antigen test when they begin their journey, German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said Thursday. “By testing aircraft wastewater directly from China, Austria has already taken the most important measure to identify new virus variants and be able to respond if necessary,” said the Ministry of Health in Vienna. At EU level, only recommendations have been made on the rules for entry from China.
Data from China shows a drastic increase in hospitals
The World Health Organization (WHO) has received new corona data from China after a reporting gap. As a result, the number of hospital admissions in the calendar week to January 1 shot up by almost 50 percent. During that period, 22,416 new patients were admitted to mainland hospitals. The week before that was 15,161.
China has recently abandoned its strict zero-Covid policy
A total of 218,019 new infections and 648 deaths were recorded in the calendar week to January 1, with these stats usually including figures from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau in addition to the mainland. China has recently abandoned its strict zero-Covid policy. As a result, there was a rush to hospitals. Exact patient numbers were not initially available, so it was assumed that the People’s Republic might want to hide the size of the outbreak.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
