The European Union member states agreed on a coordinated precautionary approach in the light of COVID-19 developments in China, the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU announced.
These decisions were taken during a meeting of the Integrated Political Crisis Response (IPCR) mechanism of the EU, in the presence of the Schengen Associated Countries.
Member States agreed to recommend to all passengers on flights to and from China to wear a medical mask, or FFP2/N95/KN95 respirators, as well as to issue advice to incoming and outgoing international travellers coming from or heading to China, as well as to aircraft and airport personnel, regarding personal hygiene and health measures.
Member states are also strongly encouraged to introduce, for all passengers departing from China to Member States, the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test taken not more than 48 hours prior to departure from China.
The Member States are encouraged to complement these measures with random testing of passengers arriving from China on arrival in the Member States, as appropriate, and the sequencing of all positive results to strengthen surveillance of the epidemiological situation, as well as testing and sequencing of wastewater from airports with international flights and aircraft arriving from China.
The IPCR, with the support of the ECDC and the EEAS, and taking into account WHO assessment, will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation in the EU and developments in China, including the level of data shared, with a view to ensuring EU coordination of any measures considered necessary.
The Member States agree to assess the situation and review the introduced measures by mid-January 2023.
Source: Cyprus News Agency