India makes Covid test mandatory for arrivals from some countries, including China
World
India makes Covid test mandatory for arrivals from some countries, including China
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India has mandated a Covid negative test report for travelers arriving from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand, the health minister said on Saturday.
Passengers from those countries would be put under quarantine if they showed symptoms of Covid or if tests positive were, minister Mansukh Mandaviya said.
Earlier, Shanghai authorities urged residents to stay at home this weekend, seeking a toned-down Christmas in the nation s most populous city as Covid rages nationwide after tough curbs were lifted.
A branch of the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission on Saturday urged young people in particular to avoid crowded gatherings, due to the ease of spreading the coronavirus and low temperatures.
Christmas is not traditionally celebrated in China, but it is common for young couples and some families to spend the holiday together.
The Omicron variant is surging weeks after the authorities abruptly ended their zero-Covid policy, lifting strict testing requirements and travel restrictions as China becomes the last major country to move toward living with the virus.
While many have welcomed the easing, families and the health system were unprepared for the resulting surge of infections. Hospitals are scrambling for beds and blood, pharmacies for drugs and authorities are racing to build clinics.
Shanghai typically hosts a large Christmas-themed market in a luxury shopping area along Nanjing West Road, and restaurants and retailers offer promotions to drum up business.
