The Taiwan Epidemic Operations Center (CECC) reported which will strengthen COVID-19 screening tests for passengers from China transiting through Hong Kong or Macao, in order to better protect the health and well-being of its population.
Beginning January 6, travelers from China transiting through Hong Kong or Macao will be required to submit a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 48 hours of boarding their flight. at the place of departure, or a negative rapid antigen test within 24 hours prior to boarding your flight at the place of departure.
The new measure, which will expire on January 31, follows similar ones adopted by the governments of Hong Kong and Macao for travelers from China, the CECC revealed.
According to the CECC, the current pandemic in China is serious. The large volume of people traveling during the Lunar New Year holiday is expected to increase the risk of transmission, and the number of cases is expected to skyrocket over the next three months in China, the center added.
The government will continue to monitor virus mutations that appear abroad to assess any possible impact on Taiwan, the CECC said.
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The center also urged passengers returning during the Lunar New Year holidays to carefully follow pandemic prevention measures.
The new requirement follows the CECC’s announcement in December that travelers from China arriving on direct cross-strait flights and residents of Kinmen and Matsu arriving via special travel arrangements will be required to undergo a PCR test based on in saliva at the airport or port of entry on or after January 1.
In addition, passengers will undergo a seven-day self-management health period at their accommodation and will be tested for COVID-19 during that period. Those who test positive must follow the 5+n policy, five days of home isolation and practice health self-management, according to the CECC.
