Austria has faced harsh criticism for its corona-related entry restrictions on travelers from China. The Chinese ambassador in Vienna expressed “dissatisfaction and regret” because the restrictions imposed by the Austrian authorities were “unscientific and discriminatory”.
The embassy responded to the change in the entry regulations that came into effect on Saturday. Airline passengers arriving in Austria must therefore submit a negative PCR test before departure, which must not be older than 48 hours. The first passenger flight from the People’s Republic since the introduction of mandatory testing landed in Vienna on Monday. After three years of isolation, China gave up its strict zero-Covid policy about a month ago and a huge corona wave has been rolling through the country ever since. Due to concerns about new virus variants, many countries are now requiring travelers from China to perform corona tests.
Measure for China unscientific and discriminatory
However, according to China, this measure lacks “scientific substantiation and violates the principles of science and proportionality,” the statement said on Tuesday night. Various international organizations and institutions would consider the introduction of entry restrictions unjustified. Health experts from many countries, including Austria, shared the view that the omicron variants currently circulating in China already existed in the EU and that Europe can handle the current infection pressure due to its high immunization rate, the embassy argued.
It is also criticized that the “measures are specifically aimed at China”, “which is clearly discriminatory, unfair and inappropriate”. Virus gene data shows that the Covid-19 strains currently spreading in China have already been found elsewhere and are not a new variant or significant mutation. “The Chinese side still believes that the measures taken by all countries to combat Covid-19 should be evidence-based and proportionate,” the embassy stressed.
The WHO demands more data
Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020, China has “done its best to protect the safety and health of more than 1.4 billion Chinese people”. Furthermore, China has “always shared relevant data and information openly, transparently and responsibly with the international community,” the embassy stressed after criticism from the World Health Organization (WHO) for providing more data given China’s high virus circulation.
China is testing travelers from all countries
China has also changed its access rules since January 8. A PCR test and a mandatory quarantine after arrival in China are cancelled. However, when entering China, a negative PCR test result is required within 48 hours of departure. The embassy points out that this measure applies “for travelers from all countries”. “No particular group of people from any particular country is discriminated against.”
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.
