Freshly rested Ukrainian brigades were being rotated in those areas to replace units that had suffered losses
world2 days ago
Travellers entering China will no longer need to provide a negative PCR test result starting Saturday, in another easing of China's “zero Covid” policies.
Travellers can instead show a negative antigen test result taken within 48 hours before boarding, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters Tuesday.
Over the last three years, China imposed an array of anti-virus controls to try to eliminate the coronavirus from the country, including lockdowns and regular mass testing. But after the regulations hammered the economy and sparked protests, the government suddenly rolled back the onerous measures in December and made a major step to drop its quarantine rule in early January.
Last month, the country resumed issuing all types of visas as part of its efforts to revive tourism. Still, it kept PCR testing requirements for passengers arriving from some countries, a costly requirement that was a major deterrent for visitors.
PCR tests are highly accurate but cost time and money, while antigen tests are easier to obtain.
“To further facilitate cross-border travel, China is taking new steps to refine pre-departure testing requirements guided by the principle of ensuring safe and orderly travel and keeping the measures science based and well targeted,” Mao said.
She added that airlines will no longer be required to check test results before departure.
At a briefing on Wednesday, He Qinghua, an official of the National Health Commission, said the number of Covid-19 cases in early April had dropped to the lowest level since December. Although the figures have risen slightly since mid-April, massive outbreaks in the short term are unlikely, he said.
Freshly rested Ukrainian brigades were being rotated in those areas to replace units that had suffered losses
world2 days ago
This was following a Reuters report that some senior US officials did not find Israel's assurances credible
world2 days ago
Due to the recent holidays to mark Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, students received extended leave, including for the heat alert
world2 days ago
The journalist was detained for allegedly spreading "fake news" about the armed forces
world2 days ago
Police said no one has yet claimed responsibility for the judge's abduction
world2 days ago
More than 300 staff would stop working for four days at terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5
world2 days ago
Authorities urged people to wear face masks and glasses when doing outdoor activities
world2 days ago
The three-strong flotilla had been due to sail on Friday from ports in Turkey with more than 5,000 tonnes of aid on board
world3 days ago